Cover-Credits:
Fnatic takes the series 2-0 against TNC.Predator in their latest SEA el Clasico matchup in the upper bracket finals of the SEA regional TI10 qualifiers. Both teams have been looking like top contenders in the qualifiers and have been on a roll in the upper bracket of the SEA qualifiers.
In true SEA fashion, both games of the series were an hour-long fight of attrition between the two teams. And while both teams have been extremely strong, it was Fnatic who had that little bit of extra strength in their matchup. While the games are pretty long, SEA Dota never fails to entertain the fans and viewers
Fnatic Knock TNC down to the Lower Bracket and advance to the Grand Final
Recap
While TNC and Fnatic are arguably the top two teams of the qualifier, game one saw Fnatic take advantage in the draft, outplaying TNC throughout the game. Fnatic’s Abaddon pick to accompany the Leshrac was completely game-winning as we saw the Abaddon get multiple, crucial saves on the Lesh and turn the tides of teamfights. Fnatic also picked Nyx together with Tidehunter who provided the chain lockdown and always managed to find TNC’s Puck. Even after a valiant effort from TNC, Fnatic still managed to take the late game and the win.
Game two was a true SEA seventy-minute bloodbath between TNC and Fnatic. Both teams were teetering on the edge for the whole duration of the game where one fight could turn everything around.TNC did not have the lockdown to take down Fnatic’s Storm Spirit and Fnatic also perfectly countered their Terrorblade pick with an Arc Warden.
The game was a back and forth tug of war up until the hour mark, after which crucial tier 5 item drops on the side of Fnatic boosted them to take a final fight and take the series.
While both teams are seen as SEA veterans and one of the best teams in SEA, Fnatic has fallen off from their previous glory in the region as made evident by their performance and standings in the DPC. But it now seems that they have found the drive that they need to pick themselves back up and push forward in the SEA TI10 qualifiers. Fnatic remains one of the most veteran teams in the world to date and has competed at every TI since the org’s first showing at TI3.
Interview: DJ explains why the SEA qualifiers are lasting so long
In the Post-Match interview, Fnatic’s DJ answered some questions about the series. He gave some insight into how because it is a TI qualifier, SEA teams, including Fnatic, were having to play differently (less aggressive than usual). DJ says,
“This tournament specifically, I think people are playing a lot more safe because this is TI, and they are buying a lot of Aeon Disk and a lot of teams are playing safe and it's just not easy to play like how we used to play, like, aggressive."Djardel Jicko B. "DJ" Mampusti . Fnatic
With this win, we will see Fnatic play in the Grand Final of the SEA TI10 qualifier for a spot at this year’s TI, and while TNC took a loss, they still have another chance at TI in the lower bracket finals where they will face the winners of Execration vs BOOM Esports.
