Three European players confirmed their spots in TSL5, with HeroMarine, Reynor, and uThermal surviving the first European server qualifier to join seeded players Serral and ShoWTimE in the main event. First place in the qualifier went to HeroMarine, who activated "Big Gabe" mode to run through a gauntlet of players including souL, GunGFuBanda, Clem, and Reynor (twice!). For his efforts, HeroMarine won a first-round bye in the TSL5 main event in addition to qualification.
The most impressive part of HeroMarine's run was his two series victories against Reynor, which he won by a combined 4-0 score. There was an element of payback—up until mid-March, HeroMarine had dominated the weekly ESL EU Open Cups by winning six out of ten competitions. Then, Reynor decided he'd to throw his hat in the ring as well, winning three consecutive cups while directly eliminating HeroMarine in two of them.
The four qualifier games between the two should have disillusioned anyone of the notion that HeroMarine was merely a placeholder champion until Reynor came along. Their initial series, played in the upper bracket semifinal, saw HeroMarine eventually outmacro and outproduce Reynor in two tightly contested games. Had this been 2019, Reynor reaching Hive might have spelled the end for HeroMarine. But in 2020, there's apparently no expiration date on Marine-Medivac, as HeroMarine was able to overpower Brood Lords, Vipers, and Banelings by sheer force of numbers.
Spiel einfach wie Gabe.
The rematch between HeroMarine in Reynor in the BO3 grand final (with the first round bye on the on the line) turned out to be comparatively less interesting. In game,one Reynor's failure to scout HeroMarine's two-Factory Hellions with Infernal Pre-igniters—despite upgrading Overlord speed early—spelled his doom. In game two, Reynor's attempt to backdoor attack during HeroMarine's first Marine-Tank advance turned into painful Zergling donation, giving the HeroMarine the slight edge he needed to win the game off his Tank push.
For much of the the qualifier, it seemed like HeroMarine, Reynor and Clem—the power trio of European online play—would finish in the top three. But uThermal snuck in to subvert expectations, taking out teammate Clem 2-1 in the lower bracket qualification match. uThermal subverted expectations in-game as well—by hiding a couple of Reapers in the early stages of game three, he was able to goad Clem into a disastrous sortie which ended up deciding the series and who qualified for TSL5.
Recommended game: HeroMarine and Reynor's brawl on Ever Dream. Hey, sometimes a plain, good ol' fashioned TvZ is all you need!
Unfortunately, the first Korean qualifier was less than smooth, with several players forfeiting abruptly while the format was changed to a one-day tournament on the fly. TeamLiquid addressed the issues, and will try to improve the situation for qualifiers #2 and #3.
Despite the issues, Korean qualifier #1 reached an expected conclusion: Korea's online powerhouses Solar and Cure ended up fighting for the first place spot (Zest, the other member of Korea's online trinity, was already seeded into the main event).
Cure had already defeated Solar 2-0 earlier in the bracket, and had given Solar plenty to be annoyed about—early Hellions had roasted several Drones in game one, while a proxy-Rax Bunker-rush into BC's had led to his doom in game two. However, despite actually getting to play a macro game to start the BO3 final, Solar was unable to avenge himself. Cure proved to be just as strong in the late game as he was in the early game, out-trading Solar and eventually forcing him into a somewhat premature GG (Solar was definitely running out of steam, but could have plausibly tried to play it out a few more minutes to try and get a miracle engagement).
Spiel einfach wie Gabe.
In game two, it was Solar's turn to get tricky as he tied the series back up with Speedlings into a Nydus Worm. Unfortunately for Solar, he was once again unable to deal with Cure's early Hellion play in the deciding game three. A Hellion run-by killed several Drones to start, and Cure's follow-up Banshees further crippled Solar's economy. With a solid advantage in hand, Cure was able to safely close out with a Marine-Tank push.
Cure secured a first round bye with his first place finish, while Solar will begin TSL5 in the initial round. The third qualification spot went to soO, who having having advanced far enough to qualify, forfeited without attempting to play for first place.
I just realize how much the qualifiers format is terrible because it rewards people who have fail to qualify the first time. The winner of the na qualifier will win a direct spot in round 2 while Reynor and Uthermal who won the first foreign qualifier won't. Basically, the second and third guy to qualify are penalyzed while the fourth will be awarded a free round which is straight up unfair and stupid and it's the same thing in the korean qualifier ! What a ridiculous format where getting 2 and 3 is worst than 4.
On April 27 2020 21:46 stilt wrote: I just realize how much the qualifiers format is terrible because it rewards people who have fail to qualify the first time. The winner of the na qualifier will win a direct spot in round 2 while Reynor and Uthermal who won the first foreign qualifier won't. Basically, the second and third guy to qualify are penalyzed while the fourth will be awarded a free round which is straight up unfair and stupid and it's the same thing in the korean qualifier ! What a ridiculous format where getting 2 and 3 is worst than 4.
I understand where you are coming from but it never cant be 100% fair when both eu and na players can play both qualifiers right? Imagine you are Neeb for example and you just want to play the NA one so you dont have to deal with ping. If the EU one starts first, it would be unfair towards him because then he would have to play with ping just to try and get one of the better qualies spots.
Atleast now he can just play the NA one on "home turf" and try to win that one so he gets a well deserved spot into the ro16. Its the first qualifier for him and best suited as well as its on NA. Same goes with the eu players, just imagine the NA qualifier was first and that would give out the best spots,
Then alot of eu guys woulf of play with ping against NA players who have home advantage..
It's a bit sad seeing so many top koreans eliminated early by other top koreans.. TY vs SoO could have been the grand finals... Maybe a group stage like the GSL or just seeds for the top players would have been better?
On April 27 2020 21:46 stilt wrote: I just realize how much the qualifiers format is terrible because it rewards people who have fail to qualify the first time. The winner of the na qualifier will win a direct spot in round 2 while Reynor and Uthermal who won the first foreign qualifier won't. Basically, the second and third guy to qualify are penalyzed while the fourth will be awarded a free round which is straight up unfair and stupid and it's the same thing in the korean qualifier ! What a ridiculous format where getting 2 and 3 is worst than 4.
I understand where you are coming from but it never cant be 100% fair when both eu and na players can play both qualifiers right? Imagine you are Neeb for example and you just want to play the NA one so you dont have to deal with ping. If the EU one starts first, it would be unfair towards him because then he would have to play with ping just to try and get one of the better qualies spots.
Atleast now he can just play the NA one on "home turf" and try to win that one so he gets a well deserved spot into the ro16. Its the first qualifier for him and best suited as well as its on NA. Same goes with the eu players, just imagine the NA qualifier was first and that would give out the best spots,
Then alot of eu guys woulf of play with ping against NA players who have home advantage..
I still think it is incredibly unfair in the foreigner scene, especially considering aside from special/neeb, the big favorites are Clem, Elazer and other eu boys. Moreover your justification is not the reason why this has been done like that as this system is applied in the korean qualifier too.
On April 27 2020 23:00 TheOneAboveU wrote: Wax didn't have the balls to include it, but do yourself a favour and watch Reynor vs. Cuddlebear Game 2. Intense map!
Do they release the replays somewhere or do I have to watch the VoD somewhere?
On April 27 2020 23:00 TheOneAboveU wrote: Wax didn't have the balls to include it, but do yourself a favour and watch Reynor vs. Cuddlebear Game 2. Intense map!
Do they release the replays somewhere or do I have to watch the VoD somewhere?
Here's the VOD from Wardi. Should be time-stamped, but in case it doesn't work, it starts around 8 hrs 13 mins.
On April 27 2020 21:46 stilt wrote: I just realize how much the qualifiers format is terrible because it rewards people who have fail to qualify the first time. The winner of the na qualifier will win a direct spot in round 2 while Reynor and Uthermal who won the first foreign qualifier won't. Basically, the second and third guy to qualify are penalyzed while the fourth will be awarded a free round which is straight up unfair and stupid and it's the same thing in the korean qualifier ! What a ridiculous format where getting 2 and 3 is worst than 4.
I understand where you are coming from but it never cant be 100% fair when both eu and na players can play both qualifiers right? Imagine you are Neeb for example and you just want to play the NA one so you dont have to deal with ping. If the EU one starts first, it would be unfair towards him because then he would have to play with ping just to try and get one of the better qualies spots.
Atleast now he can just play the NA one on "home turf" and try to win that one so he gets a well deserved spot into the ro16. Its the first qualifier for him and best suited as well as its on NA. Same goes with the eu players, just imagine the NA qualifier was first and that would give out the best spots,
Then alot of eu guys woulf of play with ping against NA players who have home advantage..
I still think it is incredibly unfair in the foreigner scene, especially considering aside from special/neeb, the big favorites are Clem, Elazer and other eu boys. Moreover your justification is not the reason why this has been done like that as this system is applied in the korean qualifier too.
Clearly the only solution for "fairness" is to restrict the EU players to only play in the EU qualifiers and NA (and SA, SEA) players to the NA qualifiers.
On April 27 2020 21:46 stilt wrote: I just realize how much the qualifiers format is terrible because it rewards people who have fail to qualify the first time. The winner of the na qualifier will win a direct spot in round 2 while Reynor and Uthermal who won the first foreign qualifier won't. Basically, the second and third guy to qualify are penalyzed while the fourth will be awarded a free round which is straight up unfair and stupid and it's the same thing in the korean qualifier ! What a ridiculous format where getting 2 and 3 is worst than 4.
I understand where you are coming from but it never cant be 100% fair when both eu and na players can play both qualifiers right? Imagine you are Neeb for example and you just want to play the NA one so you dont have to deal with ping. If the EU one starts first, it would be unfair towards him because then he would have to play with ping just to try and get one of the better qualies spots.
Atleast now he can just play the NA one on "home turf" and try to win that one so he gets a well deserved spot into the ro16. Its the first qualifier for him and best suited as well as its on NA. Same goes with the eu players, just imagine the NA qualifier was first and that would give out the best spots,
Then alot of eu guys woulf of play with ping against NA players who have home advantage..
I still think it is incredibly unfair in the foreigner scene, especially considering aside from special/neeb, the big favorites are Clem, Elazer and other eu boys. Moreover your justification is not the reason why this has been done like that as this system is applied in the korean qualifier too.
Clearly the only solution for "fairness" is to restrict the EU players to only play in the EU qualifiers and NA (and SA, SEA) players to the NA qualifiers.
It won't be enough anyway because this system is applied to the two korean qualifiers too which means the winner of the second korean qualifier will get a free round while soO and Solar won't. Clem which might be the big favorite of the next qualifier considering the past online results must be glad he lost to Uthermal. He is 99% sure to be qualified considering his current skills and he has now a new chance of getting a better spot while uthermal doesn't by beating him. It isn't only about fairness but logic, when losing is in your best interest, it means there is a big flaw.
On April 27 2020 21:46 stilt wrote: I just realize how much the qualifiers format is terrible because it rewards people who have fail to qualify the first time. The winner of the na qualifier will win a direct spot in round 2 while Reynor and Uthermal who won the first foreign qualifier won't. Basically, the second and third guy to qualify are penalyzed while the fourth will be awarded a free round which is straight up unfair and stupid and it's the same thing in the korean qualifier ! What a ridiculous format where getting 2 and 3 is worst than 4.
I dont mind it for eu to na. It's a risk you run by trying to qualify in a certain region over another. But yeah the Korean part makes no sense. The top 2 in the first qualifier should have gotten the byes.
Wish they just went to 32 players (and didnt pay out points/cash to bottom 8 if that's an issue) because 4 invites getting an automatic higher cash prize and points without even competing seems more unfair.
On April 28 2020 00:58 BisuDagger wrote: What happened to TY that he had to drop out?
The original schedule had the qualifiers laid out over 2 days. He couldn't have played on Saturday because of GSL so when he realized that he forfeited.
On April 27 2020 23:00 TheOneAboveU wrote: Wax didn't have the balls to include it, but do yourself a favour and watch Reynor vs. Cuddlebear Game 2. Intense map!
Do they release the replays somewhere or do I have to watch the VoD somewhere?
Here's the VOD from Wardi. Should be time-stamped, but in case it doesn't work, it starts around 8 hrs 13 mins.
On April 27 2020 21:46 stilt wrote: I just realize how much the qualifiers format is terrible because it rewards people who have fail to qualify the first time. The winner of the na qualifier will win a direct spot in round 2 while Reynor and Uthermal who won the first foreign qualifier won't. Basically, the second and third guy to qualify are penalyzed while the fourth will be awarded a free round which is straight up unfair and stupid and it's the same thing in the korean qualifier ! What a ridiculous format where getting 2 and 3 is worst than 4.
I understand where you are coming from but it never cant be 100% fair when both eu and na players can play both qualifiers right? Imagine you are Neeb for example and you just want to play the NA one so you dont have to deal with ping. If the EU one starts first, it would be unfair towards him because then he would have to play with ping just to try and get one of the better qualies spots.
Atleast now he can just play the NA one on "home turf" and try to win that one so he gets a well deserved spot into the ro16. Its the first qualifier for him and best suited as well as its on NA. Same goes with the eu players, just imagine the NA qualifier was first and that would give out the best spots,
Then alot of eu guys woulf of play with ping against NA players who have home advantage..
There is an easy fix: let players that already qualified, but did not get the round 2 seed compete again in the na#1 qualifier. That way they can try to get that better seeding. And if 2 of them should really make it to the top 3, then you only would need 1 additional match (to determine who gets 5th in that qualifier and hence also qualifies) Same works for the korean qualifier #2 (this was already suggested to the organisers, their response was: "yeah and we're not gonna go back and have those being played out.")
or just do not do a 24 double elim bracket (imo the format is horrible independent of the qualifier situation)
On April 28 2020 00:58 BisuDagger wrote: What happened to TY that he had to drop out?
The original schedule had the qualifiers laid out over 2 days. He couldn't have played on Saturday because of GSL so when he realized that he forfeited.
Not the entire truth.
The original schedule had the second day planed for 7pm local time, then they changed the start date for day 2 to 4pm some minutes after the qualifier started which then was in conflict with TYs GSL group.
The decision to play the qualifier completly on day 1 was made way later (the announced goal was to end it at midnight, but few knew that and noone knew how long the games would go, also in the end they played longer than midnight too)
On April 28 2020 03:02 hjpalpha wrote: The decision to play the qualifier completly on day 1 was made way later (the announced goal was to end it at midnight, but few knew that and noone knew how long the games would go, also in the end they played longer than midnight too)
And they were only done so early because half the loser bracket matches were forfeits.
But luckily TL already owned up to the fact that they did an atrocious job with the scheduling on the Korean qualifiers.
EPT
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