Alpha Red top SEA closed qualifier final over BOOT; secure first slot at Asia Minor

Alpha Red defeated BOOT 2-1 in the grand final of the SEA closed qualifier for the Asia Minor, securing participation at the Major precursor.

The grand final series commenced on Inferno, where BOOT secured the first pistol of the series, proceeding successfully in the ensuing two rounds. Retaliation in their first rifle marked Alpha Red's first round, and the momentum was put to use shortly after, but after a slight wobble, the Terrorists convincingly accrued six of seven remaining rounds, concluding the first half with a 10-5 surplus.

Alpha Red answered with a convincing offense of their own, dominating the initial and middle portions of the latter half, but Alexandre "⁠alecks⁠" Salle and company restabilised towards the end, copping the five rounds necessary to close the first map at 16-13.

Mirage followed, as did the fierce competitive nature of the match-up. Alpha Red found themselves starting of the offense, and despite being upset post-pistol victory, the squad accrued an early lead at 4-1. BOOT commanded the outcome of three consecutive rounds, a string that proved to be the most consistent showing on the defence, as their opponents walked away with a 9-6 surplus come conclusion of the initial half.

The round leaders successfully secured a consecutive pistol round victory, but momentum was not as efficiently transferred as prior, with BOOT dismantling the defence's financial comfort. A string of rounds for the Terrorists, that saw Nevin "⁠splashske⁠" Aw secure an ace, closed the round discrepancy to a competitive 11-12. Despite the valiant effort to mount a comeback, the series entered map three, as Alpha Red sought to the map's closure at a nail-biting 16-14.

Inspired by a breath of fresh air, gulped thanks to dodging a possible 0-2 loss, Alpha Red took to Dust2 in looks to make the series their own. Yet another pistol success meant an initial 3-0 lead, and after BOOT responded with three of their own, the dynamic once more favoured the Thai roster. All of the remaining rounds were secured by Krit "⁠Kntz⁠" Chaiprasit and company, closing the initial half with a commanding 12-3 surplus.

With much at stake, the second pistol round of Dust2 understandably saw chaos. The hysteria came down to a 1v2 situation for Maitri "⁠MAIROLLS⁠" Sukrob, who successfully dismantled the remaining two CTs placing Alpha Red at a 13-3 lead. BOOT made sure to clip the momentum at its root, and off the back of a forcebuy were able to improve their situation with five back-to-back rounds. With a round loss bonus in hand, Alpha Red went for a last push, where the final three rounds needed to secure the sole SEA Asia Minor slot were accrued, concluding Dust2 16-9 in the Thai squad's favour.