Cover-Credits:
Team Aster’s support player, Zhang "LaNm" Zhicheng posted a number of complaints on Weibo alleging several issues with the team’s The International 10 (TI10) bootcamp in Bucharest, Romania. However, he has since deleted these posts from his handle. This followed the organization's announcement earlier today that several members of their TI10 contingent are infected with COVID-19. LaNm lambasted PGL for allegedly providing the Chinese team with a subpar bootcamp which allegedly lacked several basic amenities. According to LaNm, there was no prior testing, water, or food provided for the players. He also stated that the team was only tested after they self-reported that they were down with a few symptoms of COVID-19. Liu "White Album" Yuhao and LaNm were the only two players in the Chinese team who were not affected by COVID-19 according to Team Aster’s official announcement earlier today.
TI10 COVID-19 Scare: LaNm criticizes Team Aster’s bootcamp arrangements in now-deleted posts
In an official statement issued earlier today on the organization’s Weibo handle, Team Aster confirmed that Du "Monet" Peng, Lin "Xxs" Jing, Ye "Borax" Zhibiao, and two staff members had contracted COVID-19. Furthermore, the announcement mentioned that all other Chinese teams were staying in the same hotel. Staff and players from the other four teams, however, underwent testing and all came back negative, according to reports.
Following this, LaNm took to his personal Weibo handle to criticize PGL for allegedly failing to provide the necessary safety measures in a few posts which have since been deleted. In his complaints, he mentioned that the team originally planned to arrive just before TI10 began in Bucharest, but PGL allegedly encouraged them to come earlier and stated that a bootcamp would be provided. The accommodation was provided, but its facilities are lacking, according to LaNm.
LaNm also alleged that there was a delay in procuring medication for the team, however, he has since posted an update stating that they were able to arrange these medicines with the help of some of the team’s family.
In his deleted posts, the support player also questioned the safety precautions being taken at the hotel. Despite a recent spike in COVID-19 cases, he alleged that hotel bars are occupied and that people did not wear masks. Additionally, he added that COVID-19-infected teammates haven't been given separate rooms, either.
Several members from the Dota 2 community have stated that it is the teams’ responsibility to arrange adequate facilities for itself prior to The International 10. Many stated that although the tournament organizers may help with these arrangements, the team was not its responsibility until the International 10 officially kicked off.
It is yet to be seen how PGL and Valve will proceed with this case since there has not been an official announcement from either organization so far. TI10 will take place from 7th to 17th October 2021.
