After a two-hour delay due to lag issues, IEM Kiev finally kicked off with the games in Group A. After multiple technical vicissitudes, Strelok was triumphant against Naniwa with a 2-1 victory.
The early lead for the Ukrainian came on Shakuras Plateau as Strelok managed to destroy Naniwa's outer base to get an early economy advantage. As Strelok regrouped for a follow-up attack, Naniwa moved out to attack the push but found out mid-fight that he had forgotten to bring his stalkers along, giving Strelok the game.
The Swede tied the set on Terminus as a colossus timing attack hit Strelok in the middle of saturating his third and not even the growing ghost numbers could save the terran army. Final set was played on Tal'Darim Altar with Naniwa opening with a proxy gateway, possibly eager to finish the series as quick as can be due to the technical issues he mentioned on several occasions. Phrases like "Unplayable" and "I can't move anything" found their way to the chat and after the proxy rush was repelled and the natural nexus fell to a marauder attack, Naniwa tapped out with a "Good job".
In the same group, WhiteRa blazed off fellow protoss player Titan to establish a temporary Ukrainian hegemony in Group A. The Russian, who most recently placed fourth at WCG 2011 Grand Finals, opened with a early set lead but "Grandpa Toss" jumped back into the series and closed it 2-1.
UPDATE: Naniwa decided to forfeit all his remaining games at IEM Kiev. Titan and WhiteRa get walkovers.
UPDATE: Naniwa is officially back in the tournament and will play Titan next.
