Wow what a spectacular finish for the groupstage, honestly, G-1 League couldn't ask for more. In continuation to my blog yesterday, things have actually improved and we are given a very secured Internet connection at the event now. It's not so fast, but it's better than nothing. Still have to upload those interviews in the hotel though.
I actually woke up late today since my phone ran out of battery and my alarm clock didn't go off. On the plus side, I did get enough sleep which was good (especially for you folks) because I had massive problems coming up with interview questions yesterday. Today, I interviewed Ohaiyo and Akke (still being rendered) and intend to do more tomorrow, especially winner/loser interviews.
This was like my first time doing a video interview in a long time, so do forgive me for stuttering and asking bad questions. Akke answers are really good and in-depth (it was 20 minutes long) and I hope you guys will enjoy it.
In any case, the big thing I want to talk about today is obviously the elimination of iG and Liquid, more to iG actually. iG was an unbeatable team a few weeks ago and now we see them losing games, a LOT of games. Their game against Liquid was unbearable for me to watch (it was good play by the Muricans) because I have never seen a rape like this for a long time. Keep in mind that I did not watch LGD.cn vs Dreamz.
The question is how did iG turn so bad in such a short time. Internal problems. We had a chat with Brax during our free time and he told us that iG has not been practicing all that much as of late. Zhou has been reported to show up only once a week in their gaming house and the team has been training with only four members. However, these are all just rumours after all so don't take it too seriously.
Liquid on the other hand had a GREAT run in day two after being down 0-3 early in the tournament. I was honestly rooting for them in their game against DK and cheered for them but their draft, despite much consideration, lost them the game. They had no late game carries and were forced to push into a Kunkka which was the eventual downfall in mid-game. I have to give credits to Flamewheel from TL (acting manager) for having these draft sheets and whatnot to advice them on what to pick next. The Slark was a good pick but it did not exactly won them the game. It was the CK-Wisp combo.
I somehow noticed that the Chinese teams were not really prepared to face against the western teams. Their drafts were outdated, their plays were outdated and their strats were outdated. No offense, they still play good but I personally think that they are losing to Alliance because of their versality in picks. For example, look at the Keeper of the Light pick from Alliance versus LGD.cn. You really ban bloody Anti-Mage and Phantom Assassin after that? Bitch please. Cancer Lancer.
I was told by Bulba today that they could hear the commentators very clearly in the players booth. He also asked me what did the commentators said about him but the bigger concern is really how much of an advantage would the Chinese teams get knowing how Liquid is moving the whole time. We told G-1 about it and hopefully, they will turn down on those mega blasters that turned me deaf for 2 minutes everytime I enter the arena.
I do have to give props to all the teams who made it through and I will be rooting full on for Alliance tomorrow. I hope people realize that western Dota is not far behind the Chinese scene so that we will have an epic east versus west in The International 3.
Gonna head to the venue early tomorrow to take more pictures and do some interviews. LATERS! You can enjoy some of the many many photos we took on our day two gallery here.
PS: dopeshow is a cranky old man and don't like to try new Chinese food causing me to miss them too. Also, I compensated my bad photography skills with a good camera and photoshop.
