ELOBlade Dominates the IPL 5 Qualifier Grand Finals

Fnatic vs. ELOBlade

Game 1

Fnatic

Bans: Gragas, Alistar, Shen

Picks:

• Lulu - nRated (Support)
• Nunu - Cyanide (Jungle)
• Ahri - xPeke (Mid)
• Rengar - DarkDeath (Top)
• Ezreal - Wuuuhlino (ADC)

ELOBlade

Bans: Jayce, Diana, Fizz

Picks:

• Graves - Metalx (ADC)
• Irelia - Kerp (Top)
• Sona - LeofromKorea (Support)
• Orianna - ForellenLord (Mid)
• Skarner - Kottenx (Jungle)

In Game one, we saw Fnatic and ELOBlade go neck and neck for the first half of the game. However, slowly but surely, ELOBlade was able to edge out ahead. It was clear for the later half of the match that ELOBlade was in complete control of the game despite the scores being dead even. Despite the occasional small victories in catching single ELOBlade members out of position, Fnatic was unable to stage a comeback as ELOBlade aggressively pushed their advantage for their first win.

ELOBlade was able to utilize their team composition to single out and take down high priority targets. In team fights, this allowed them to gain a swift and decisive advantage, forcing Fnatic onto the defensive.

Game 2

Fnatic

Bans: Gragas, Alistar, Shen

Picks:

• Nunu - nRated (Support)
• Graves - Wuuuhlino (ADC)
• Maokai - Cyanide (Jungle)
• Zyra - xPeke (Mid)
• Yorick - DarkDeath (Top)

ELOBlade

Bans: Jayce, Diana, Fizz

Picks:

• Ezreal - Metalx (ADC)
• Orianna - ForellenLord (Mid)
• Udyr - Kottenx (Jungle)
• Sona - LeofromKorea (Support)
• Cho'Gath - Kerp (Top)

Game two opened with a little bit of a misstep from ELOBlade which resulted in two early kills for Fnatic after a failed attempt at stealing blue buff. However, with extremely careful play, ELOBlade were able to make use of any opportunity to close the gap left by those early kills, and catch up. Eventually, ELOBlade was able to perform with a similar dominance seen in the first game. After a successfully baron steal, ELOBlade immediately pressed their advantage in mid lane. In a battle of attrition, ELOBlade slowly poked down the mid inhibitor turret as well as the members of Fnatic. An opportunity showed itself when ForellenLord (Orianna) picked up a double kill with a well placed ultimate. With two Fnatic members down, ELOBlade was able to mop up the rest of Fnatic and push for the win, taking the series and the top spot of the third IPL 5 EU Qualifiers.

Fnatic did well to acquire a very early advantage, however, ELOBlade was able to play defensively, not allowing Fnatic to abuse their advantage. After careful play, ELOBlade meticulously made use of any opportunity to diffuse their disadvantage such as dragon control, and roaming. Eventually, Fnatic no longer had any advantage and ELOBlade was able to show their dominance.

Key Plays

• Kerp on Cho'Gath stealing baron from Fnatic, giving ELOBlade the confidence to aggressively push for the win.

• Orianna, played by ForellenLord, taking a double kill at the end of game two which opened the doors to victory for his team.

MVP

ForellenLord showed his expertise with Orianna, especially in game two. Despite being behind two kills against Zyra (xPeke), Orianna was able to out farm, catch up, and excel in the mid lane. His excellent mastery of Orianna also allowed his team to win their second game, securing their spot at IPL 5.

Source : ign[dot]com