EPT
![[image loading]](/staff/Waxangel/GSL/2022/codes3/ro20grouparesults.jpg)
Code S Season 3 got through its first round-of-20 group without any major complications, with reigning champion herO advancing alongside the recently ascendant ByuN.
herO stumbled out of the gates, losing his first game to Astrea in a tight semi-basetrade on Tropical Sacrifice (probably the most entertaining game of the group). However, he composed himself and showed his championship form from there on out, taking the next two maps against Astrea and then winning 2-0 against ByuN to advance in first place.
Overall, the group was a great demonstration of herO's predictable yet uncounterable aggressive style, and he still looks to be a top championship contender. herO credited his diligent practice in his post-match interview, saying he had been well-aware of the Code S champion's curse and wanted to avoid becoming another victim.
Second place in the group went to ByuN, who advanced on the back of two victories against Armani (2-0 and 2-1). The Kwangdong Freecs Zerg simply didn't have an answer to ByuN's mid-game Marine-Tank pushes, losing three games to such attacks. While Armani did manage to drag one game out till the later phases, he lost after taking wasteful trades against a Ghost-Tank defense.
Despite his great showing at HomeStory Cup 21, Astrea's Code S journey once again ended in the RO20. His one map win against herO ended up being his best performance, and he was ultimately eliminated by Armani in the losers' match. Armani had a rather stylish showing against the American Protoss, using Brood War-style Hydra-Lurker drops to win one game, and finishing the series with a cheeky, off-tempo Zergling-Drone all-in.
Code S will continue with Group B on Thursday, Aug 25 9:30am GMT (GMT+00:00), featuring Bunny, Reynor, Dream, and DongRaeGu.
