Execration Punches Back Against Tundra to Draw Even in Lima Major Opener

The Lima Major 2023 group stage saw Execration open proceedings against The International 11 (TI11) champions Tundra Esports and deliver an impressive performance. It wasn't expected for Southeast Asian (SEA) team to stand up to Tundra, despite finishing first in its region on Tour 1 of the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) 2023. And after it got outclassed in the first game, Execration bounced back with an even bigger dominance to win the second game. "Palos" Lamatao was stellar on Monkey King in the second game, helping Execration maintain the momentum right from the get go.

Execration vs Tundra Esports: Match recap and highlights

Recap

In game 1, Tundra used its supports to locate vital kills in the early phase, with a particular focus on Bob on Ember Spirit in the midlane, who perished twice in a minute, severely hampering his advancement. Because Tundra was continually on the move and Saksa's Riki was in position to set his team up for success, the team’s networth gradually began to move up as the game proceeded. Saksa was astonishingly a part of 32 of Tundra's 33 kills in the game as Execration lost the opening encounter in 42 minutes.

In game 2, Execration's picks were somewhat weaker, with skiter also being given Lina, the patch's most recognised carry hero. Execration's laning stage performance, however, was even better than Tundra's in game one, with Palos being especially efficient with last hits on Monkey King. Bob was careful to overshadow Nine's Tusk by continually moving about and assisting other players in finding kills. Execration, realising it was considerably stronger, focused on the objectives and, despite a small stumble, outplayed Tundra to win in 34 minutes.

Highlights

Here are some highlights of the series.

Playing regionally versus traveling and competing against the best from other regions is a different ballgame but Execration has started the Lima Major campaign right from where the team left Tour 1 where it topped. The SEA squad showed signs of being a formidable opponent and will want to maintain this play as it still has a lot of top competition in the group stage.

Certainly Tundra is not in the best shape right now, as its players have also acknowledged previously but a LAN event of this stakes may just spur its players into giving it their all once again.

In the Lima Major 2023 group stage next, Execration will play regional rival Talon Esports while Tundra plays EHOME.