XERXIA Esports have convincingly taken down OpTic Gaming (formerly Envy) in a 2-0 affair during Group B’s opening match at VCT Masters Reykjavik.
ICELAND – XERXIA Esports got off a great start at VCT Masters 1 Reykjavik with a convincing victory over OpTic Gaming, 2-0 (Icebox 13-10, Ascent 13-10). They are next set to take on Adil “ScreaM” Benrlitom’s Team Liquid on Tuesday at 4:00 AM SGT (UTC+8).
“To be honest, when we came here and we started scrimming, I think we are on the same level [as NA and EMEA] I would say.” Thanamethk “Crws” Mahatthananuyut said when asked about the current state of the APAC region during the post-match interview. “It is just like the game is on the day, like if you are off that day then it is just sad. But I think we are on the same level I would say from the scrim results and the past results in tourney and stuff.”
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(Photo courtesy of Lance Skundrich/Riot Games)
XERXIA Esports began the brighter of the two teams, romping to a 4-0 lead after two insane openings from Panyawat “sushiboys” Subsiriroj in the pistol round. OpTic Gaming responded by putting together some rounds following their second full buy on their way to gaining control of the game, ending the first half with a 5-7 deficit in favor of the Thai side. Although the second pistol went the opposite way when sides switched, XERXIA did not let the North American side find a way to back in, ending it 13-10.
XERXIA Esports put up a solid defense to lead by four rounds at the half, but Pujan “FNS” Mehta and co. clawed their way back into contention after winning the second pistol round and the two that followed. The two teams stayed within striking distance with trading rounds back-and-forth until the Thai side gained much-needed momentum as a result of OpTic’s blunder in Round 22 to secure match point. Itthirit “foxz” Ngamsaard’s triple kills put one of the final nails in their opponents’ coffin before his team closed the series at 13-10, 2-0.
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Cover photo courtesy of Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games
