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Hanwha Life Esports dominate T1 to secure semifinals in LCK Summer Playoffs
Hanwha Life Esports just dominated T1 in a Bo5 series that decided the next team to advance to the semifinals. They are now set to face Gen.G in an exciting clash to determine the first Grand Finalist for the LCK Summer Playoffs. T1 meanwhile, are set for a lower finals match against none other than Dplus Kia.
A Masterclass on Display from Hanwha Life
While many may be quick to point out T1’s weak drafting and mid-game during this series, the true crime would be missing the absolute masterclass that Hanwha Life put out today.
From drafting to laning, Hanwha were just a cut above today T1 today at every step of the way. Notable members from Hanwha that truly excelled today include Kim “Zeka” Geon-woo and Han “Peanut” Wang-ho, both of whom displayed superb playmaking and a champion ocean, which will be what they need to face against Gen.G next.
The Mind Games Began from Draft
Game 1
Key points during the ban phase that made the series so uncomfortable for T1 was the targeted bans. Game 1, they banned Nasus in the first rotation, taking away Faker’s new pocket pick but also laying the seeds for the future (this is important).
Other crucial bans include taking away Faker’s Azir, a cornerstone in T1’s comfort drafting. T1 tends to have a habit of picking Azir to fill in gaps in their composition and allow for more volatile matchups, because of the champions strong scaling, Faker’s superb mastery of the champion, and the vast amount of hard scaling late-game compositions that T1 is so famous for and often rely on to get them back into games.
Moreover, Hanwha also took away the Lilia from Oner, a powerful pick that he had been utilizing as a more aggressive jungle. This also lowered T1’s options if they decided to lean towards AD mids such as Smolder or Zeri.
However, the true surprise pick, came in the form of Doran’s last/counter pick of Vladimir into Zeus’ on-hit Kennen, ensuring that not only would Hanwha outscale them with the pivotal Ziggs pick they secured for themselves, they also had a strong scaling solo lane champion to pull into teamfights.
In not entirely surprising fashion, T1 soundly lost Game 1. Despite Faker’s LeBlanc finding damage often, T1’s drafted comp had little opportunities to utilize its strengths. Moreover, with a combination of Yone, Rakan, Vi, and Vladimir, Guma found himself the target time and time again. Gumayusi ended the game 0/4/2, a tough scoreline for the ADC who normally stabilizes T1.
Game 2
Heading into Game 2, Hanwha’s trap finally sprung. They left Nasus open on first rotation this time, and Faker was quick to slam it in on the 1-2 pick. Unfortunately, Hanwha already had the counterpick ready - Smolder. With Faker on a melee tank champion in the midlane, Smolder had essentially a free for all buffet when it came to earning his stacks and Smolder delivered in a massive way, carrying Hanwha with a 16/2/2 performance.
However, it was Viper’s Ziggs 2 games in a row that was their true engine for this comp, as the demolitions expert yordle allowed them to swiftly take turrets and seize map control, while dominating the laning phase with a long-ranged clear.
T1’s choice to pivot after seeing the Smolder was also less than optimal in the end. After locking in the Seraphine, Keria last-picked Shen, passing over the Starry-Eyed Songstress to Guma to act as their answer to Ziggs APC. It failed to work, despite Guma having an improved performance, leading to Hanwha leading 2-0 in the series.
Game 3
In Game 3, T1 returned to the blue side and finally grabbed Ziggs for themselves. Moreover, they secured Smolder while simultaneously banning out Tristana and Kennen. For Hanwha’s side, they kept their bans but kept the Vi for themselves, along with Yone and Kai’Sa for some deadly dives.
Game 3 was overall slightly improved for T1, their draft phase adaptations were not especially stellar in this series, however, it was noticeable. Across game 3, Hanwha continued to press their advantage. Choi “Doran” Hyeon-joon was especially notable for his incredible Jax performance in this game, going 7/0/14 to bring home the victory for his team.
T1 Drop to the Lower Bracket
After the conclusion of today’s series, T1’s chances for Worlds qualification still remain at 2. They have one more shot through the Lower Bracket, starting with their series against Dplus KIA on Sunday 3pm KST/8am CET.
Otherwise, T1 will have to qualify via the Regional Finals next month. Check out here for other paths T1 and the other still eligible LCK teams still have for qualifying to Worlds 2024.
As the path continues to narrow, there remains a possibility that the defending World Champion will not be in attendance to defend their throne. T1’s shaky form throughout the year is only offset by their strong MSI performance and victory at the Esports World Cup.
Hanwha Life Esports face off against Gen.G
Coming off their victory, Hanwha will now have to defeat the Tiger Nation. Some reward huh? Gen.G in 2024 can easily be considered the strongest team in the LCK, having shattered multiple team and individual records this year alone in their quest for victory.
Earlier this year, Gen.G lifted the MSI trophy, granting Chovy his first international title, despite having been considered the best mid laner in the world for some years now by many. Now, they look in the best form they ever have as they head into Worlds and hopefully the Golden Road (Woops I said it, did I manage to jinx them? Woopsie)
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Credit: LCK
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