Chapter 380: The Battle of Focus
The team leader was a bit curious: "I'm a bit puzzled. Just how strong is Chen Mo? Are you saying that neither you nor Frost are a match for him?"
Hu Jing was silent for a moment: "It's hard to say clearly. If we're talking about mechanics and reaction speed, Chen Mo..."
"Hello everyone, I'm commentator Hui Yi."
For this crucial match, the commentators were still Hui Yi and Ke Zhen. In fact, the commentators had been rotated in previous matches, but since this game was particularly important, they were swapped back in.
Hui Yi looked at the materials on the commentary desk: "So after three days of competition, the situation in each group is gradually becoming clearer. Ke Zhen, what do you think about the current state of the domestic teams?"
Ke Zhen thought for a moment: "The domestic teams are in a relatively good position to advance. But G is slightly better off."
Hui Yi nodded: "Alright, so after today's matches, the advancement situation for each group will become even clearer. Today's key battle is between IF and SOT. These are two teams that we generally consider to be in the top tier right now. What are your thoughts on the outcome of this match, Ke Zhen?"
Ke Zhen: "It's hard to say, because at the moment, the top-tier teams we're looking at are these four: IF, NRG, SOT, and MAD. We know the domestic teams well—IF is slightly stronger than NRG. But as for these two Korean teams, SOT mainly relies on the individual skill of their mid-laner, while MAD depends on good team coordination. It's hard to gauge their actual strength. However, personally, I'm inclined to believe that IF will win."
The two commentators analyzed the current group stage situation and briefly introduced the team characteristics and star players of IF and SOT before the match began.
Obviously, both sides were very focused on targeting each other's mid-laner. Popular mid-lane champions like Karthus, Anivia, and Orianna were all banned. The final mid-lane matchup ended up being Vladimir versus Lux.
IF's lineup was Irelia, Skarner, Vladimir, Ezreal, and Alistar, while SOT's lineup was Diana, Dr. Mundo, Lux, Kog'Maw, and Lulu.
Hui Yi: "Alright, so the match between the two sides is now starting. IF is on the blue side, SOT is on the red side. Everyone, please cheer for your favorite team, okay?"
The big screen switched to the game screen, and the holographic projection simultaneously displayed the full view of Summoner's Rift.
The audience in the venue was screaming and cheering loudly. After the first round of the group stage, both teams had successfully gained a large number of fans. After all, these two teams had perfect records so far, carrying the hopes of the domestic audience.
Hu Jing said in the team voice chat: "Everyone, give it your all. Since we've pulled out this special strategy, we have to win this round!"
Obviously, the Skarner jungle pick was a special strategy specifically designed to counter SOT.
Although League of Legends had 50 champions at this point, only a few were popular. Many others were either too simple and suited for beginners or hadn't been fully developed yet.
In the jungle role, champions like Gragas, Lee Sin, Nocturne, and Evelynn had all seen play, but Skarner had never been used in the World Championship before.
Hui Yi: "IF actually brought out the Vladimir plus Skarner combo! That's really unexpected! Because we know that IF's mid-laner is a player with very strong individual skill, but Vladimir is a relatively stubborn champion—he won't fall into a disadvantage easily, but it's also hard to gain a lane advantage."
Ke Zhen nodded: "That's right. Obviously, IF's lineup is completely targeting SOT's mid lane. After banning the popular mid-laners, Vladimir's strong lane sustain can keep Frost pinned in the middle, and once Skarner hits level 6, he'll definitely be pulling people without a second thought."
Hui Yi: "In other words, IF's tactical plan for this round is to use Vladimir to lock Frost in the mid lane and then relentlessly slaughter his teammates."
Ke Zhen nodded: "Exactly. I think that's what IF's tactical intention should be."
Genius remembers this site's address in one second: