Fnatic's perseverance and grit finally have paid off as they swept through TNC 2:0 to claim the first SEA spot allocated for TI8.
Its been a long and hard road for Fnatic through the Pro Circuit 2017-2018 season. Extended games, close calls and exciting performances were fought hard for but in the end the SEA team was forced to the regional qualifiers to obtain their goal.
The SEA team had locked in their official roster at the end of January in hopes to secure enough points to receive a direct invite to TI8. Saahil ‘UNiVeRse’ Arora and his points from his time with Evil Geniuses found a new home with Fnatic, replacing long-time offlaner Chong Xin 'Ohaiyo' Khoo in the lineup.
Fnatic continued to find themselves at DPC events and their placement results went from 7-8th place to 5th place or better following their initial debut at ESL One Genting where they took a disappointing introductory 9-12th place.
Fnatic and TNC were two of the three invited teams for the TI8 SEA regional qualifiers. TNC were on fire and had an impressive run through the group stage with a 6:1 record. Fnatic on the other hand, looked to be struggling more than expected as they dropped three games in the group stage, giving qualified team Sterling Golden Dragons their only win of the event.
It seemed that Fnatic had retooled their strategies or ate a breakfast of champions as they started the first day of the playoffs. Exacting revenge on the TNC organization, they swept through TNC Tigers 2:0 and then overpowered TNC Pro Team 2:0.
TNC will have another shot at TI8 as the second slot for the region is still unclaimed. They will go up against the winner of Entity Esports/TNC Tigers tomorrow.
Fnatic current roster:
Jacky 'EternaLEnVy' Mao
Abed 'Abed' Yusop
Saahil ‘UNiVeRse’ Arora
Djardel 'DJ' Mampusti
Johan 'pieliedie' Åström
