[LCK Today] Rise of the underdogs, KT and DRX step up with 2-0 sweeps

Jan 29, 2022

On Jan. 29, in the 2022 LCK Spring Split, the underdogs, KT Rolster and DRX swept Gen.G and Nongshim RedForce, respectively. KT Rolster rebounded from their recent loss, giving Gen.G their first loss of the season, and DRX collected their third straight victory.

The first match was between KT Rolster and Gen.G. The first game went for a long time without any kills. The two teams first fought at the Rift Herald, where KT Rolster took three kills. After the fight, Kim "Rascal" Kwang-hee picked up a solo kill. Gen.G struck back by cutting off Rascal, but KT Rolster's teamfights were more competitive. Their AOE damage blew Gen.G up. Gen.G managed to stall by stealing the dragon, but that was about it. KT Rolster took game 1 after winning the Elder dragon fight.

First blood came from the top lane. It was Rascal with another solo kill. KT Rolster's other lanes also showed their strength as kills came all around, and they secured the Ocean dragon's soul in 22 minutes. Gen.G also fought back well, but KT Rolster managed to stay ahead. After slaying two Elder dragons, KT Rolster was able to take the win.

DRX faced Nongshim RedForce in the second match. Gwak "Bdd" Bo-seong drew first blood in three minutes in game 1, as his Azir recorded a solo kill. DRX came back with kills in the bot lane, as Kim "Deft" Hyuk-kyu's Jinx collected 4 kills within 10 minutes. Although Nongshim RedForce pulled close, DRX had priority. Nongshim RedForce's last choice was Baron, but Baron was stolen and they lost the teamfight. After DRX reaped the Infernal dragon's soul, they destroyed Nongshim RedForce's Nexus, penetrating through Bdd's defense.

In game 2, the two teams traded kills in the top and bot lanes. It was Nongshim RedForce who went ahead as Lee "Dread" Jin-hyuk's ganks were effective. However, they weren't able to snowball their lead until Kim "Zeka" Geon-woo's Corki scaled. As Corki started to poke, Nongshim RedForce had to run. When Corki finished building all items, it was the end of the game. DRX marched through Nongshim RedForce's base and concluded the game.

2022 LCK Spring Split Jan. 29 Results

Gen.G 0 - 2 KT Rolster

Nongshim RedForce 0 - 2 DRX

2022 LCK Spring Split Standings

1st T1 5-0 (+8)

2nd Gen.G 5-1 (+6)

3rd DWG KIA 3-2 (+4)

4th KT Rolster 3-3 (+2)

5th DRX 3-3 (0)

5th Nongshim RedForce 3-3 (0)

7th Liiv SANDBOX 2-3 (-3)

8th Fredit BRION 2-4 (-4)