en
Spirit of the Resilient: KT Rolster exit Worlds 2023 after falling to China’s Colossus, JDG, in exciting Quarterfinals
JD Gaming looked very much in form as they took down KT Rolster tonight. The Korean 3rd seed had come into the series looking very much like the underdogs. Despite that, they were able to score a game point on JDG before exiting Worlds in top 8.
Moreover, throughout the series, KT never once faltered in their conviction. The final game of the series, the resilience and tenacity shown, is all the proof needed that despite the sentiments of outsiders, KT had faith in themselves.
The fall of KT Rolster in the Quarterfinals leaves only one more Korean representative in the Worlds 2023 Knockout Stage - T1. Hence, the last hope for Korea.
What Went Wrong for KT Rolster?
Heading into the series, KT approached the draft much like they had in previous games. Most of the target bans in Game 1 went towards the AD Carry role, leaving precious few viable options for both Park “Ruler” Jae-hyuk and Kim “Aiming” Ha-ram.
To the surprise of some, Game 1 had a KT Rolster that looked more decisive than they ever had in previous games. After creating a lead in the botlane with Aiming’s Aphelios, they expanded that lead with numerous favorable teamfights. The Sejuani of Moon “Cuzz” Woo-chan was also extremely crucial in delivering that victory.
Old Habits Die Hard Despite the Advantages
Heading into game 2 onwards, KT began making curious decisions, such as allowing JDG to get their hands on Rakan, Vi, AND Neeko. Moreover, JDG’s top laner Bai “369” Jia-Hao was allowed to take an Aatrox into a Jax matchup, leading to a massive lead in the top side. The choice of Viego especially for KT was completely negated by JDG’s team composition, and “Cuzz” could only sit back and watch as his team lost the second game.
By Game 3, KT was looking to staunch the bleeding and take the lead. Their target bans sought to remedy the issues from Game 2, however, Rakan and Aatrox were still let through. This resulted in a gap in the botlane and toplane, squeezing KT out of Game 3 with little respite.
Game 4 was the true one. With JDG well-warmed up, KT finally showed up in full strength. Despite letting through the Rakan, Cuzz’s plan to consistently occupy the Rakan on his Vi worked well in his favor, keeping Lou “MISSING” Yun-Feng from massively interacting in the game. In the end, the game came down to a massive teamfight right at KT’s Nexus. With JDG slamming damage onto it, KT managed to save the game with 1 health point left on the Nexus - only to have a Cannon minion of all things end the game. Sometimes luck does play a part in all this.
Troubled Waters Now
Having dispatched KT Rolster, JD Gaming will now have to face T1 in the semifinals. Instead of LNG, who JDG has already faced three times this year, they will have to face the final Korean representative, in the heart of Korea.
Not only does T1 historically ramp up and improve their form the deeper they go in tournaments, they have also faced and beaten JDG at the last Worlds. In MSI 2023 in London, JDG had their revenge. The question now is, will recency triumph? Or will experience?
Conclusion
JDG’s victory over KT Rolster was not a smooth one. While JDG did eventually emerge triumphant, it was massively due to their individuals and fundamentals. KT’s brilliant first game, coupled with their tenacity in the fourth, made it a series to remember.
Worlds 2023 Knockout Stage can be watched on Twitch and YouTube. For the full list of streams in all available languages, check this link here. For any queries on the format or schedule, why not check out our handy all-in-one-guide?
Credit: Yicun Liu/Riot Games
