Imperial survive another day at PGL Major Antwerp
The Mongolians from IHC did all they could to take down the favorites.
The first elimination match of the day was set to feature the Brazilian superstars from Imperial take on IHC from Mongolia, where FalleN and co. just barely dodged an upset loss.
The Bo3 series was set to commence on Mirage. Despite it being IHC’s map pick, it was Imperial that was in control in the beginning, quickly getting a 7-3 lead under the leadership of Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo.
The great start didn’t last long as IHC began to crawl back round after round with the Brazilians starting to struggle on CT side. The underdogs ended up turning the 3-7 score into a favorable 13-8 lead, which they eventually also converted to a 1-0 map lead.
With one foot out of the Major, Imperial stood with their backs to the wall on Overpass. However, if there is one person who isn’t ready to leave the tournament, it’s Ricardo “boltz” Prass. On the second map, the Brazilian rifler took the entire Imperial roster on his back by averaging a stellar 1.70 Rating, sending the series to Inferno with a 16-10 victory.
The distinction of experience and routine between the two sides, especially at the Majors, couldn’t be bigger with Imperial having no more than six Major titles under their belt, while none of the IHC players have attended a single Major prior to this. Something, which ended up being quite a decisive factor on the last map of Inferno. Here FalleN and his men took the overall victory through an utterly important 16-12 win
The result means IHC is being eliminated, while Imperial is set to play for a Legends Stage spot tomorrow against another 2-2 team from the Swiss group.
Imperial – IHC 2-1 | PGL Major Antwerp Challengers Stage
11-16 (Mirage) | sk0R – 1.68 Rating / K-D / ADR
16-10 (Overpass) | boltz – 1.70 Rating / 26-13 K-D / 110.7 ADR
16-12 (Inferno) | FalleN - 1.47 Rating / 23-13 K-D / 84.0 ADR
MVP: Ricardo 'boltz' Prass - 1.35 Rating / 66-44 K-D / 87.4 ADR