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Founded by some of the top names in the Chinese Dota 2 scene, Azure Ray qualified for the Bali Major 2023 in its first season together in the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) China 2023 Tour 3: Division I. As the Major now moves forward, Azure Ray's midlaner Lu "Somnus" Yao talked about what he expects from his team at the event. Somnus just does not want to be eliminated early in the playoffs of the Bali Major 2023 since it has happened to him multiple times in the past. However, based on his previous remarks, the midlaner believes Azure will have a hard time qualifying for the playoffs due to the tough competition.
Somnus wants Azure Ray to not get eliminated early at the Bali Major
As far as the Bali Major 2023 is concerned, Somnus does not want to be the topic of memes after being eliminated early in the playoffs, according to Twitter user CN Dota In A Nutshell (@Tr1H4rd3rDota2).
For Azure Ray, moving past the group stage is the initial milestone before potentially being in an elimination situation in the playoffs. Somnus had previously also shared his thoughts on the Bali Major expectations, highlighting two contrasting outcomes based on the team's performance during the group stage.
As it stands currently, Azure Ray is fighting for tournament survival with three victories after eight games at the end of day two of the group stage. The squad took down Evil Geniuses in its first series and then drew with BetBoom squad, however, it was taken down handily by Quest Esports and 9Pandas on the second day.
The Chinese squad's remaining series are against Gaimin Gladiators, Bleed Esports, PSG.LGD, and nouns, with the most recent one versus Bleed. Interestingly, the series versus nouns, which takes place in the end and which Somnus thought would rather be the simplest in Group B, may turn out to be the contrary, as nouns has surpassed expectations thus far.
However, in the three remaining days of the Bali Major group stage, tables can turn quickly, and it will be intriguing to watch if Azure Ray can go on to pull off an unexpected run of stellar proportions. Despite the lack of experience playing as one roster, the combination of skill, experience, and passion with which the players have entered this event might just be the difference maker.
