SKT executes a backdoor maneuver to secure their second win at Worlds 2019 by defeating RNG

SK Telecom T1 defeats Royal Never Give Up with a backdoor play

The League of Legends World Championships group stage saw SK Telecom T1 secure their second win of the tournament against Royal Never Give Up, thanks to a strategic backdoor play.

This year, SKT has adopted a more aggressive playstyle, opting for aggressive fights and plays instead of a controlled game. In their previous match, SKT overwhelmed Fnatic by continuously engaging in fights, and they carried this pressure into their game against RNG.

As soon as Faker reached level six with Twisted Fate, SKT began their assault on RNG’s bottom lane. Faker baited out Xiaohu’s teleport and initiated fights using his ultimate. Throughout the game, SKT consistently engaged on RNG, but RNG managed to turn SKT’s aggression into favorable trades. Uzi’s safe positioning on Xayah and Ming’s Blitzcrank picks were key factors in keeping RNG in the game.

However, RNG was unable to anticipate SKT’s split push strategy. Khan’s Renekton forced RNG to defend their bot lane, which allowed SKT to take Baron uncontested. Despite RNG’s persistence in teamfights and their own Baron take, they could not prevent SKT from splitting.

SKT’s game-winning move came when Faker split-pushed top and was joined by Teddy and Khan. RNG was too focused on attacking SKT’s base and couldn’t retreat in time. SKT swiftly destroyed the Nexus towers, bringing the game to an end.

Since joining the LPL in 2015, RNG has consistently been a strong contender in Worlds. However, this year they have been placed in a challenging group alongside SKT and Fnatic, raising doubts about their ability to advance. After their close loss to SKT, RNG’s position in Worlds is now uncertain.

Both teams will continue their group stage run on Oct. 15, with RNG facing Fnatic at 8am CT, followed by SKT’s match against Clutch Gaming at 9am CT.

League of Legends World Championships, SK Telecom T1, Royal Never Give Up, backdoor play, aggressive playstyle, engagement, split push strategy, Nexus towers, LPL, Worlds group stage, uncertainties.