S14 Eight Teams: T1 3:0 Sweeps TES Into Semifinals; Undefeated Record Continues - Thoughts on the Match?
T1 swept TES 3-0 to advance to the Semifinals of the S14 Eight Teams Tournament, continuing their undefeated record. The series was a dominant display by T1 who outclassed TES in drafts, execution, and macro play across all three games.
T1 put on an awe-inspiring performance in their 3-0 sweep over Top Esports (TES) to secure a spot in the Semifinals of the S14 Eight Teams Tournament. The series highlighted the massive gap that still exists between T1, the reigning World Champions from South Korea’s LCK, and China’s top teams from the LPL.
In Game 1, T1’s superior macro and map movements ran circles around TES. Despite securing first blood on Faker, TES quickly lost control as T1 responded with clean cross-map plays to take towers, dragons and extend their gold lead. TES' attempts at engages were consistently thwarted and turned around in T1’s favor. A desperate Baron play by TES around the 30 minute mark sealed their fate as T1 aced them and closed out the game.
Game 2 was even more one-sided, with TES getting perfect-gamed in a 15-0 stomp that ended in just over 25 minutes. T1 again dictated the pace, invading and suffocating TES out of their own jungle. Faker’s Azir ran rampant, dealing huge damage in teamfights as TES crumbled helplessly. The LPL representatives looked completely outclassed and overwhelmed on summoner’s rift.
Facing elimination, TES opted for a high-risk, high-reward draft in Game 3 with hyper-carry picks for 369 in the top lane. But T1 read it like a book, counterpicking and building a composition designed to shut it down. Keria’s Rakan and Oner’s Viego ran circles around TES, finding picks and winning skirmishes all over the map. One final engage by T1 around the dragon pit sealed the 3-0 sweep in clinical fashion.
Throughout the series, T1 outmaneuvered and outclassed TES at every turn. Their control of vision, objective setups and immaculate teamfighting left the LPL squad looking dizzy and dispirited. It was a harsh reality check on the gap that still remains between Korea’s dynastic organization and their rivals in China.
For TES, it’s a bitter end to their tournament run and a result that will no doubt sting for some time. Questions will be asked about their preparation, drafting and inability to adapt over the course of a humbling beatdown by T1.
But for Faker and his squad, it’s business as usual - another emphatic victory over elite opponents as they continue their march towards yet another international title. On current form, betting against T1 lifting the trophy in Paris seems like a fool’s errand. Their era of dominance shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.