Team Secret Loses to OG, Resulting in OG’s Spot in The International 2019
Team Secret, for one of the first times this season, lost a series in the middle of a big tournament. This loss allowed OG to secure a spot in The International 2019.
OG has been competing in the tournament without their captain, Johan “N0tail” Sundstein, due to ongoing health issues. However, this did not hinder OG’s performance against Secret.
With their coach, Titouan “Sockshka” Merloz, filling in for N0tail once again, OG dominated the opening game of the second round. Anathan “ana” Pham’s Slark and Sébastien “7ckngMad” Debs’ Dark Seer led the charge, resulting in a quick 27-minute victory for OG.
Despite Secret keeping the game close, OG displayed solid gameplay throughout, pushing lanes and leaving Secret on the edge of elimination. With a 1-0 lead, OG, the favorites to win their third Major, were one step closer to an early exit.
The second game was more closely fought than the stats would suggest. Secret was at a significant disadvantage with a 37-15 kill score, but they put up a competitive fight in team fights. However, OG pulled away in the later half of the match, cleaning up towers and securing the Aegis.
Michał “Nisha” Jankowski had an outstanding performance on Templar Assassin for Secret, dealing 40,901 hero damage as his team tried to fend off defeat. However, OG consistently shut down Ludwig “zai” Wåhlberg, killing him 11 times and leaving Secret at a disadvantage in many endgame fights.
OG completed a clean 2-0 sweep, eliminating the top-ranked team in the world and securing their spot in the top 12 of the Dota Pro Circuit. Their victory guarantees them a spot at TI9, where they will defend the title they won last year at TI8.
OG will face off against LGD Gaming in a rematch of the TI8 Grand Finals in the next round of the lower bracket. The series will start at 4am CT on June 28, and OG hopes to have their captain back for the matchup.
Team Secret, OG, TI9, The International 2019, Dota Pro Circuit, esports