Coming into the North American regionals, most people would have expected TSM to be in the final and probably win it. Well, they succeeded in the first part of that and got off to a great start in the opening game. Chaox on Corki started out way ahead of the enemy Kogmaw in both farm and kills, which helped TSM to a 6,000 gold lead after 20 minutes. Qtpie actually did a great job of getting himself back in the game via farming, but TSM were far too strong and taking three uncontested Barons gave them a pretty straightforward win.
Game two was all about TSM. Dignitas opted again for the poke comp they used in the semi-final, but this time TSM countered it perfectly. First blood and a turret after just four minutes set the tone, but the game was actually quite scrappy, with Dignitas looking to avoid team fights at all costs. Still, a well thought-out Skarner pick from TheOddone meant that confrontations were unavoidable thanks to his ultimate. Dignitas often lost a player or two and just had to try and disengage – their flimsy poke setup unable to stand up in a real fight. In the end, Dignitas had nothing to hold off the clear best team in North American and picked up just two kills in the second game. TSM were deserving victors and look a long way ahead of the rest of the American teams.
Earlier, in the crucial third place game, CLG and Curse battled for the final spot in the season two finals and the final spot in season three. A mid game lead for CLG’s teleport composition was all it really took. They slowly but surely extended it and were able to capitalise on a second Baron kill to end the game The second game was much slower and more even, with no team fights until 20 minutes in. The gold discrepancy stayed small, and even when CLG eventually managed to end the 45 minute game, they did so with a mere 5,000 gold lead. Still, it was enough to see them clinch the all-important third place finish.
Links
GosuGamers - Coverage hub
