NRG and G2 open EPL Season 9 Finals with victories

NRG and G2 succeeded in their EPL S9 opening matches against fnatic and Grayhound, securing 16-12 and 16-13 victories on Nuke, respectively.

The first match of the day witnessed a 1v3 clutch from Jesper "⁠JW⁠" Wecksell, who single-handedly ensured fnatic's fruitful T-side initiation on Nuke. NRG prevented inspiration from settling in the Swedish camp, as an upset was witnessed, followed by snowballing into the latter stages of the half at 10-2. Richard "⁠Xizt⁠" Landström and company lessened their burden going into the CT side by closing the final three rounds of the first half.

NRG got off to a fighting start on the T side, securing the second pistol round. After an additional victory was ensured, fnatic snatched the wheel, able to navigate their way to a lessened deficit at 12-13. Economic issues were experienced by the Swedes following consecutive losses, ultimately leading to a defeat, as the final three rounds were accrued by NRG, concluding the first map of the day at 16-12.

On the B stream, G2 and Grayhound also faced off on Nuke. The first and second rounds of the map went in the way of the French squad, shortly after which Grayhound picked up pace, assuming the lead on T once their economy stabilised. Richard "⁠shox⁠" Papillon came through for his team, as his anti-eco ace allowed G2 to assume the lead for the first time in the series at 5-4. The momentum was extended through to the conclusion of the half, as the favourites walked away with a 9-6 score.

Having transferred to the defence, the Aussies consistently demonstrated solid holds early-on, with G2 only sporadically able to secure round victories on the offense. This persisted throughout the initial portion of the latter half, after which the Frenchmen were able to refocus, out-grinding their adversaries in a close 16-13 map score.