Mineski rallies to beat TNC Predator, steals spot in Paris Major


By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—The return of former skippers Michael Ross and RJ Qui turned out to be pivotal for Mineski as the team edged TNC Predator, 2-1, for the last Southeast Asian spot in the Paris Major in the lower bracket finals of the Southeast Asian Qualifiers on Monday night.

Mineski got revenge from its group stage defeat to TNC Predator as a dominating performance in Game 3 completed its rally from 0-1 down.

TNC Predator drew first blood as their decision to take it slow paid off with Armel Tabios going 12-0 as Ember Spirit.

However, Damien Chok turned the tides in Game 2 as his offlane Omniknight became pivotal down the stretch.

Chok's Guardian Angel became helpful in a crucial clash within the Roshan area that sparked Mineski's breakaway from 0-3 down into a 28-minute quick work.

With Chok taking Omniknight again and Qui choosing Winter Wyvern, Mineski put up a dominating performance against TNC Predator in the decider.

Mineski completed a Cinderella run from being in the lower bracket for the entire playoffs to the main tournament from May 4-12.

On the other hand, TNC Predator blew two chances to clinch a seat in the Paris Major after also losing, 1-2, to Fnatic in the Upper Bracket Finals.

However, TNC Predator has one more lifeline to the Paris Major by ruling the DOTA Pit Minor in Split, Croatia from April 22-28.

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