[MSI 2019] Phong Vu Buffalo to Face Team Liquid in the Knockout Stage

May 2, 2019

Phong Vu Buffalo defeated 1907 Fenerbahçe Esports in the tiebreaker for Play-ins Group A and secured a spot in the Knockout Stage.

On the 2nd, in the 2019 Mid-Season Invitational Play-in stage Day 2, Phong Vu Buffalo became the last standing survivor of Group A. They defeated 1907 Fenerbahçe Esports in a tiebreaker after being tied at 4-2. In Group B, Vega Squadron collected two wins and started their first day in 1st place.

In the first match, Phong Vu Buffalo defeated Isurus Gaming with dominant laning and teamfights. 1907 Fenerbahçe Esports also defeated Bombers without much trouble. The two teams met in the next match where 1907 Fenerbahçe Esports succeeded to come up on top. As of this match, the two teams were tied with a 4-2 record and scheduled a tiebreaker after Group B matches.

Meanwhile, Isurus Gaming came back from behind against Bombers and collected their second win. Bombers were in the lead for most of the game, but they allowed Isurus Gaming to turn the table. The two teams concluded the tournament with a 2-4 record.

Following the first group matches, Group B clashed amongst each other. In Game 5, MEGA faced DetonatioN FM. Unlike most matches up to now, the game ended with only 9 kills. DetonatioN FM brought out the Sona-Taric bot and took full advantage of the composition. Being stable throughout the game, they destroyed MEGA’s Nexus in 30 minutes.

In Game 6, Vega Squadron brought out the Karthus pick in bot lane, which made a difference in the game. INTZ e-Sports wasn’t able to do much in the one-sided game. The kill score was 18-2 and the game ended at 26 minutes.

The next match was between the two teams that each collected a win. This time, Vega Squadron picked Heimerdinger in their bot lane. DetonatioN FM managed to keep the game close, but after Vega Squadron stole the Rift Herald, the game started to tilt towards their way. After a big teamfight Ace, Vega Squadron collected their second win.

The last scheduled match was MEGA versus INTZ e-Sports. INTZ e-Sports played well until the 25-minute mark where their jungler was cut off and gave up Baron. MEGA didn’t allow another turnaround and registered their first win of MSI 2019.

The most important match of the day, the tiebreaker, followed. In the cutthroat match, Phong Vu Buffalo defeated 1907 Fenerbahçe Esports in a fierce fight for the only spot to the Knockout Stage. Naul’s Lissandra and Palette’s Morgana shined in the close match. As of the win, Phong Vu Buffalo will face Team Liquid in the Knockout Stage on the 6th.

2019 Mid Season Invitational Play-in Stage Day 2 Results

Game 1: Isurus Gaming (L) vs Phong Vu Buffalo (W)
Game 2: Bombers (L) vs 1907 Fenerbahçe Esports (W)
Game 3: Phong Vu Buffalo (L) vs 1907 Fenerbahçe Esports (W)
Game 4: Isurus Gaming (W) vs Bombers (L)
Game 5: Vega Squadron (W) vs INTZ e-Sports (L)
Game 6: MEGA (L) vs DetonatioN FM (W)
Game 7: Vega Squadron (W) vs DetonatioN FM (L)
Game 8: MEGA (W) vs INTZ e-Sports (L)