Sentinels beat DRX 2-0 to Secure Spot in Upper Bracket Semifinals
The playoffs of VALORANT Champions Seoul 2024 kicked off with an electrifying showdown between Sentinels and DRX. Fans were on the edge of their seats as the North American powerhouse faced off against the last hope of the Pacific region.
In a thrilling match which was highly unpredictable, Sentinels emerged victorious with a 2-0 sweep, advancing to the Upper Bracket Semifinals.
Sentinels 2-0 DRX
The first map, Sunset, was Sentinels' pick, and they quickly demonstrated why with an early 5-2 lead. Despite a solid start, DRX mounted an impressive comeback, pushing the map into overtime after securing map point first. However, Sentinels kept their cool, winning three out of four overtime rounds to clinch the map 15-13. This victory set the tone for the rest of the series.
Sentinels IGL Amine "johnqt" Ouarid reflected on the first map, and confirmed that their win came down to experience:
“I think yeah we had a good start of the attack half… but they did like some good adjustments… We also overheated to be honest and it's been happening in our past Sunset. Where we have such a big lead, and we just like give it away and go to overtime.
But we have a lot of reps on Sunset since offseason. We played a lot and I thought we've played all type of games where we're down, we're up, it's kind of close and we have a lot of experience on it ”
DRX chose Haven for the second map, hoping to even the score. The first half was closely contested, with both teams trading rounds. However, Sentinels' defense proved impenetrable, allowing DRX to claim only two rounds in the second half. Sentinels secured the map 13-8, sealing a 2-0 series win and sending DRX to the Lower Bracket.
DRX head coach Seon-ho "termi" Pyeon harbored no hard feelings on this loss, and felt his side lost out to a better team:
“In Champions specifically, we have two losses on [Haven]. But I think both of those losses was because the opponent was the better team on that day. So of course there are things that we need to work on to make our Haven stronger. But I would say, regarding those two losses, it was because our opponents played very well.”
With this win, Sentinels advanced to the Upper Bracket Semifinals, where they will face EDward Gaming.
DRX, on the other hand, will need to fight for survival in the Lower Bracket against Trace Esports.
As the playoffs continue, Sentinels have shown that they are a force to be reckoned with, ready to take on the world’s best in their quest for the championship.
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Featured Image Source: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games
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