The teams from the LMS region had a tough task at Rift Rivals Dalian. Only one LMS team, Flash Wolves, has been successful internationally in the past. However, even they have struggled in the knockout stages of major tournaments.
Unfortunately, the streak of bad luck and poor performances continued at Rift Rivals Dalian. The LCK teams, despite their inconsistent performance in the tournament, proved that they were still capable of defeating the LMS teams. They secured a convincing 3-0 victory in the semifinals.
Machi Esports vs. KINGZONE DragonX
The format of the day was a relay race, where each team from each region got a chance to play. The first region to secure three wins would advance to the final tomorrow.
Machi Esports went up against KINGZONE DragonX. The LMS intentionally wanted Flash Wolves to play against SK Telecom T1, which is considered the weakest South Korean team. This meant that Machi was sacrificed to face KINGZONE.
Machi didn’t put up much of a fight. KINGZONE’s jungler, Han “Peanut” Wang-ho, ganked frequently for top laner Kim “Khan” Dong-ha. Khan, who is one of the best top laners in his region, has struggled at international events. However, getting a lead on Darius seemed to be all he needed against Machi.
SK Telecom T1 vs. Flash Wolves
Next up was a match between SK Telecom T1 and Flash Wolves. Flash Wolves had to defeat SKT to give the LMS a chance at advancing.
However, SKT shut down Flash Wolves with an unexpected performance from jungler Kang “Blank” Sun-gu. Blank joined the team two years ago as a mechanical marvel but has had an inconsistent presence in the lineup in recent years.
But in this match, Blank got off to a great start playing Nocturne, one of the best junglers in the LCK region. He outperformed Flash Wolves in camps and worked well with mid laner Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok to control the middle of the map.
Before the match, SKT mid laner Faker stated that “besides the Flash Wolves, the rest of the LMS needs to work harder.”
G-Rex vs. KT Rolster
The final game of the day was a stomp. KT Rolster completely dominated G-Rex. Even when G-Rex tried to trade turrets to regain momentum, they were unsuccessful. It was a clear sign of defeat for the LMS region. KT closed out the game easily, securing a spot for the LCK in the final.
However, the LCK’s job is not finished yet. They have one last chance to defeat the LPL in the final tomorrow. Before today’s matches, LPL caster Indiana “Froskurinn” Black confidently stated that “I think we already know which region is the best, it’s the region that’s performing tomorrow.”
But the LCK will also be playing tomorrow and they have the opportunity to prove Froskurinn wrong and reclaim their spot at the top of the League of Legends esports world.