TNC Predator eliminated by Team Liquid on day 2 of TI9 main event

gabhernandez Published 23/08/2019

After a strong group stage run, TNC Predator fell short in the main event of The International 2019.

The team dominated Team Liquid in the group stage with a clean 2-0 sweep and denied the former champions an upper bracket slot. However, TNC Predator found itself in a rematch against Liquid in an elimination series at TI9. This time, the tables turned.

The Filipino team looked strong as it kicked off the opening game with first blood on Amer “Miracle-” Al-Barkawi’s Troll Warlord. Kim “Gabbi” Villafuerte had a great time in the laning phase with his Wraith King, farming a Radiance within 17 minutes. Meanwhile, Armel Paul “Armel” Tabios rushed a Heaven’s Halberd to deal with Miracle-.

The team asserted its dominance by roaming around the map and finding valuable kills. This resulted in multiple setbacks for Ivan Borislavov “MinD_ContRoL” Ivanov, who struggled to buy Blink Dagger for his Tidehunter.

TNC Predator seemed ready to close out the game, but the champions of The International 2017 had a few tricks up their sleeves.

In a crafty move, Miracle- decided to build Diffusal Blade before purchasing Black King Bar, specifically to function as a counter to Gabbi’s Reincarnation. The decision paid off for Team Liquid, shifting the game’s momentum. The net worth advantage started to flatten out and soon favored Liquid.

A key team fight at 25 minutes sealed TNC’s fate. Team Liquid destroyed the middle barracks and tier-four towers, leaving TNC Predator’s Ancient exposed. After a few more kills, Miracle-‘s Troll Warlord dealt massive amount of damage to the enemy’s throne, forcing TNC to call GG.

In game two, TNC Predator once again dominated early, but Team Liquid countered. While TNC looked to fight, Liquid stayed elusive and found success split pushing. TNC Predator had no answer for the pressured lanes, allowing Aliwi “w33” Omar’s Leshrac and Miracle-‘s Anti-Mage to get farmed.

Team Liquid’s strategy translated to a convincing victory and allowed them to advance in the lower bracket.

The loss to Liquid sends TNC home in 9th-12th place with a prize worth over $679,000. Team Liquid has since advanced through the lower bracket, taking out Royal Never Give Up and Evil Geniuses. They are currently set to face the winner of Team Secret vs. Vici Gaming.

Read Also

Dota 2

Team Yandex stop the magic, defeating LGD in BLAST Slam VII finals Michael Hassall Team Yandex have defeated LGD Gaming in the grand finals of BLAST Slam VII in a dramatic 3-1 series that saw both teams pushed to the limit, but ultimately Yandex come out on top. Concluding the last major tournament before teams head to the Esports World Cup and The International 2026 next month and in August, Yandex were able to counter the momentum of LGD that had brought them into ...

Dota 2

BLAST Slam VII Finals Predictions and Picks – Can LGD make it all the way? Michael Hassall LGD Gaming in the top three of a tournament!? What is this 2021? BLAST Slam VII has been one of the most surprising tournaments of the year, and has capped off the pre-EWC and TI season with some of the most thrilling gameplay we’ve seen in months. And the finals are set to be even more exciting. With just three teams left there’s a lot on the line, from the ...

Dota 2

Easiest Dota 2 Heroes for Beginners – Best Picks to Learn the Game Simon Day We can all agree that Dota 2 is a complex game, but starting with the right heroes can make the learning process much smoother. Choosing one of the best Dota 2 heroes for beginners is key to building your skills and enjoying your matches. That’s why it’s time to explore the heroes that are easy to understand, effective in the game and great for learning the fundamentals. Without going into ...

Dota 2

BLAST Slam VII Playoffs Preview – Visa issues transform the playoff picture Michael Hassall BLAST Slam VII is the last major tournament before teams lock-in and compete at the EWC and The International, and as a result, we’re seeing a tournament with some unique outcomes. With teams seemingly treating this as a last-minute tune-up before the championship clashes of the next two months, a South American team has topped the table and some of the best teams in the world are either without players ...

Dota 2

TI-Champions Tundra Esports exit Dota 2 as roster transfers to 1win Michael Hassall Tundra Esports has revealed it’s leaving Dota 2 after six years and a victory at The International 2022. The UK-based organization has announced its roster will transfer directly to 1win for future events. The announcement, posted on Tundra's socials on June 1, confirms rumors and earlier social posts from 1win which hinted at a new lineup. With the move, however, questions about 1win’s existing EEU roster and attendance at The ...

Dota 2

A full weekend of TI15 tickets will cost you just $280 – If you don’t mind the view Michael Hassall Alongside the team invites for The International 2026, Valve today (May 26) unveiled the pricing and details of how to purchase tickets for TI15, and the price is the lowest in years. For years we’ve seen the price of The International Prize, with a peak of around $700 as a lowest price for a full weekend for both 2023 in Seattle, and 2024 in Copenhagen. But after a fall in ...

Dota 2

Valve has announced the TI15 invites: Here’s why some team names are very different Michael Hassall It’s around three months until The International 2026, TI15, and Valve has just unveiled the direct invites and qualifier invites to the event, but eagle-eyed fans will notice some strange names in the team lists. Valve unveiled the invites in the small hours of the morning on May 26 (late evening on May 25 for their HQ in Bellevue, Washington), detailing the seven direct invites, regional qualifier invites, and some ...