Over 40 teams came to Telford, hoping for glory, fame and honour. But not everyone of them wouldl eave fulfilled, and we have whittled them down to just 3 remaining hopefuls, all vying for the coveted title of iSeries champion.
The stage was set for a huge game in the clas for a spot in the Grand Final. Infused have numerous LAN results under their belt, and wanted to add i43 to that list. FragMasters were on their first outing here, and were keen to prove themselves to the community and their management. TCM-Gaming were lying in wait for the victor in the Grand Final tomorrow morning.
The game could genuinely not have been closer. Starting on FragMasters' map, mp_citystreets, the game started as it would inevitably finish with neither team able to definitively make a mark on the game. The rounds went tit for tat, and it was no surprise when the scores ended up level at 12-12. Overtime it was then, yet still this would not be able to separate the teams. Double over time is not unheard of in games like this, so no-one was too surprised. However, eyebrows were certainly raised when Infused snatched the last round from FM to take it to 3-3 and overtime number 3. FragMasters again went u, this time by 2 rounds to nothing. Infused came back to take it to 2-2 before FM pulled away at 3-2. FM were again unable to convert it and we saw ourselves in an almost unprecedented fourth overtime. This time alpha was on fire as he racked up 10 frags across the first 5 rounds, giving infused a 3-2 lead. Infused were not prepared to mess around any more, and took the round to make it 4-2 to them. With the opening map completed with a final score of 25-23, we already knew this one would be a nailbaiter.
Moving onto Strike, we still did not see any change in the play dynamic. The teams decided to just get straight into it, and Infused started on defence. They took the side 7-5, but fm stepped it up a notch when they had their turn on the defensive side. Soakr had had a miserable game on attack, but immediately picked it up on defence. They just managed to close out the map 13-11, moving us on to the third and final map - mp_crash. Mark had been playing well for infused thus far, but really stepped it up a notch on this map. From the get go he was on fire, almost single handedly winning the knife round. He was always right in FM's face, not allowing them the breathing room they so desperately neede. They trailed Infused for most of the game, before winning several key rounds in a row to go 10-8 up. Infused had to resort to drastic measures to stop the rot, but stop it they did. They were left with a 12-10 lead after winning 4 in a row. FM were not going to go out without a fight, and took it to 12-11 before a dramatic final roun ended up with Blazy in a 1v4, bomb down. He managed to take down one but Infused had the bomb site locked down and there was no hope of the lone bosnian defusing. And just like that, it was over. The game that had taken 96 rounds, 3 maps, 4 over times and nearly 4 hours of gameplay to separate them had finally come to a conclusions. By the narrowest of margins, Infused had edged out FragMasters.
And so FragMasters bow out of the competition, but with a valiant farewell. They have really come together as a side this LAN, each player performing at the top of his game when called upon and never once doubting themselves. Often overlooked, many people here have been commenting on how strong a side they are. No doubt this result will usher in a newfound respect for the young british side. Regardless of how the final ends up tomorrow, this match will be the one that is remembered from this competition. It was tense from start to finish, with some unbelievable moments and incredible skill being displayed from both teams. Not once did they flame or rage, they both acted the perfect sports throughout and must be congratulated on that. I had the privilege to shoutcast some of the match, and it was an honour.
SInfused go on victorious and with another few hours practice under their belt to face TCM tomorrow. The game will undoubtedly be close, and will certainly be worth getting up early for, but I just dont think it will match the adrenaline-pumping, nail-biting spectacle we just witnessed. It is therefore with regret that I am no longer o we will have to wait and see what this game has in store for us. it is due to start shortly, and as it stands there doesn't appear to be a stream forthcoming. You will have to wait with baited breath until we can update the scores at the end of the match, so done bite your nails too close to the bone ladies and gentlemen.
Peter "ptER" Mather
Ted "kowa" Hansson
Well played to both teams
much love, turtle out.
minxzka played sick
gutted for pTER as he deserved a place for the all the work he did pre event!
edited 2011-08-28 10:44:36
For me the only thing they lack is a really good scope.
other than that wp lads.