Team Solomid (TSM) barely managed to enter the group stage with a score of 3-2 due to the unexpected strength of the Gigabyte Marines (GAM).

TSM turned the tables with the set score of 3-2 against GAM at the first day on the 2017 MSI Play-In Stage 2R in Sao Paulo, Brazil on May 4 (KST).

TSM didn’t have a good start against GAM. In the 1st set, the team faced a difficult situation due to Levi’s Kha’Zix, and Svenskeren could not deliver his usual aggressive playstyle as he was consecutively countered by the opponent jungler for 2 games straight. Bjergsen, the ace of the team, was also not able to carry the games due to Optimus’ active engagement.

However, the team started to pick up the pace starting in the 3rd set. After successfully countering the opponent Graves’ early gank on bottom lane, Hauntzer, as Gragas, claimed consecutive solo-kills, turning the tide of battle in their favor. Having leads in all lanes, the team solidified their path to victory with precise management of the game, placing wards to have clear vision of the opponent’s jungle. Although they were crowd-controlled a couple of times during the game, it was not good enough to stop them.

The following 4th and 5th sets were also claimed by TSM. In the 4th set, the team built a solid foundation towards victory by fulfilling their duties at each lane, even with the harassment by the enemy Fizz and Gragas. Hauntzer’s Nautilus turned the tide right when it seemed like the team was going to lose and was able to lead them to another victory. The early-mid phases of the 5th set were led by a well-geared Renekton, and the team maintained concentration until the mid-late game, eliminating the backline of the opponent team and winning the game.

As a result, TSM has been granted entrance to the group stage after winning at the 2017 MSI Play-In Stage 2R 1st match. On the other hand, GAM has one last chance at the Play-In Stage 3R if they want to enter the group stage.

Scores of 2017 MSI Play-In Stage 2R 1st day (winner in bold)

Team Solomid (TSM) vs Gigabyte Marines (GAM) - TSM wins 3-2

1st match: TSM vs GAM

2nd match: TSM vs GAM

3rd match: TSM vs GAM

4th match: TSM vs GAM

5th match: TSM vs GAM