Melany M. March 4, 2019
FunPlus Phoenix has continued to dominate the LPL with a decisive victory against current world champion Invictus Gaming.
FPX consolidated its place as the number one team in the Chinese LPL with a reverse sweep against IG. FPX is one of the biggest surprises of the 2019 season to date and is looking like a strong contender for the LPL spring title.
The LPL is a region known for constant team fights. Games one and two between FPX and IG was a clear example of this aggressive style. The first of the bloody opening games went in IG’s favor while FPX took the second, bringing the series to a decisive third game.
IG jungler Gao “Ning” Zhen-Ning focused his attentions on the top lane in trying to get teammate Lee “Duke” Ho-seong ahead on his Renekton. IG also had priority in the bottom lane and consistently pushed FPX’s bot lane duo under their own turret.
FPX decided to respond by focusing its own resources in the mid lane while Ning continued to camp top. As the early game progressed with few swings of momentum for either team, the top League of Legends squads in China transitioned into a more typically chaotic mid game.
The ensuing fights were messy and often lasted longer than was necessary. IG was able to secure neutral objectives and grow a small gold advantage through the constant engagements, FPX remained in the game, waiting for an opportunity to strike back.
That chance came 23 minutes in, when FPX found a good engagement in the top lane that led to three kills. FPX secured a subsequent baron and broke into the IG base.
FunPlus Phoenix’s Kim "Doinb" Tae-sang led his team to the victory with a creative item build on Ryze. Some well-timed aggression from the mid laner helped FPX secure a second baron at 31 minutes, and that was good enough for the win.
This result puts FPX in first place in the LPL with eight wins. The current world champions at Invictus Gaming now fall to third place.