LCK: A straight playoff battle for FearX. T1 vs. BRION to regain confidence

The weekend in LCK was especially attractive in the duels where the playoffs were played. Dplus KIA have already done their part and are assured of knockout fights. On the other hand, the other four teams (KT Rolster, T1, BNK FearX and Kwangdong Freecs) still had no guarantee of participation.

• FearX made it through the match of the week against Kwangdong
• T1 got back to operating temperature
• The final playoff format will be decided next week

Arguably the most important series for the fate of everyone involved in the playoff battle was the series between FearX and Kwangdong. Both squads went into the main battle of the regular season as teams that were revitalized and had gone up in performance a lot. While the odds were more stable for FearX, Kwangdong once again went through a minor results crisis.

The expected three games in the series came to fruition and we watched a predatory battle for every important point in the game. However, Kwangdong’s more aggressive and individualistic approach clashed with the more solid and team play of their opponents. Kwangdong did take the lead in the series, but Coach Ryu prepared his charges well.

FearX were teaching their opponent lessons in productivity and more courage. The latter eventually became the essence of critical success. The equalizer and subsequent gain of perhaps the most valuable point for FearX in history may be worth gold in the final showdown. While the 2:1 result obviously puts the team in a better position than its opponents, it also serves as a warning to the remaining challengers. FearX certainly don’t have the best players on paper, but they are not afraid to play against the big teams.

BRION troubled T1 as well, but in the end a comfortable win puts T1 in a lucrative position

The other, less crucial but still important series for the promotion math was also T1’s attempt against BRION to restore their tarnished reputation. T1 were certainly not playing at their optimum form and KT Rolster’s explosion with the BRION boys, had warning parameters.

Although T1 warmed up cautiously, they eventually broke the duel with the last team in the league. The positive of the whole series is the performance of Zeus and his Jayce. The latter in the second game of the series became an unsolvable problem for BRION. The favorite has made up with some of the fans and almost certainly has a spot in the playoffs.

However, the work is not over for T1, the last week of the regular season will be against FearX and Kwangdong. Still, under a certain constellation of results, there is also the possibility that if both lose, T1 will not advance to the elite six. In fact, both teams will be hungry for promotion and the minimum certainty of regional qualification.

Source: LCK, Leaguepedia