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The Usual Suspects: NRG defeats T1 to secure VCT Masters Tokyo Playoffs
The third day of the VCT Masters Tokyo featured three Best-of-threes. The first game played was the playoff qualifier for Group A, followed by two elimination games between China and EMEA. The first game features NRG taking on T1. Both teams secured the first Group A game. They took on each other for playoff contention. The Americas #3 NRG defeated Natus Vincere in the first game of the series and were heavy favorites going into the series. Both teams share a similar map pool, enjoying Pearl, Bind and Lotus.
Starting on T1's Lotus, Both teams went blow for blow, and the first half concluded with a tie. On attack, T1 secured an early lead. Despite NRG's attempt to hold on to the sites, T1 secured the first map on the last round of regulation.
On Bind, the first half again ended in a tie. T1 managed to plant multiple times in the second half but could not hold on post plants. With successful retakes, NRG won seven out of the eight rounds to secure the second map 13-7, forcing a third map.
Upon asking Xeta about the poor post-plant setups, he explained as follows:
Q. Despite securing the spike plants in six rounds out of the eight played, T1 could only convert once. What were the crucial mistakes made during those post-plants that cost you the map?
T1 Xeta: "I think we really need more reps on how to adjust or adapt to opponents playing Sage in the full retake situation."
The third map Pearl started with NRG securing seven rounds in a row. It seemed they'd run away with the map, but T1 came back and almost won the final map and the series. Fortunately, NRG held strong on defense and managed to win the series 2-1 after winning the final map 13-11.
Despite the one-sided start, NRG didn't dominate T1, and when Strafe asked for the reason, NRG Chet explained the following:
Q. After securing a 7-0 lead NRG started losing a lot of rounds, and T1 almost brought it back. What do you think was going wrong in-game?
NRG Chet: "I think we are just fumbling a lot of close rounds, and maybe we should've taken more space. I feel T1 respected a lot of our hits, and we just didn't capitalize, and that's something we can fix in practice moving forward."
Despite the loss here, T1 still has a chance to qualify for the playoffs tomorrow. They'd face the winner of either EDG or Natus Vincere in a Bo3 series. One key player for T1 in the recent games has been the newly transitioned Overwatch pro Carpe. Strafe had interviewed Carpe after their VCT Pacific Week 3 game, and during the interview, Carpe told Strafe about the time he's taking to adjust to the game. After today's game, Strafe once again asked Carpe about his level of comfort in Valorant, and he said the following:
"Yes, I have definitely adjusted very well. But that doesn't mean I can stop working. I still feel like I have a lot to improve. And every game that I play, I feel like I am learning a lot. And in terms ofN confidence, I am definitely confident in my plays."
With NRG's qualification, all three Americas teams are now in the playoffs. T1 and EDG or Natus Vincere will play the last game of VCT Masters Tokyo Group A. You can follow the VCT Twitter for all the updates regarding VCT Masters Tokyo.
Credits: Riot Games // Valorant Champions Tour
You can also follow VCT Masters Tokyo on Strafe.