DRX beat Ninjas in Pyjamas (NiP), making them the second team to secure a spot in the VCT Masters 2022 Playoffs. DRX started strong in the Group Stage by beating ZETA DIVISION with a 2-0 sweep.
However, NiP also won their first match with a sweep against Fnatic. With the chance for a spot in the playoffs at stake, both teams were determined to maintain their undefeated record.
During the map banning phase, NiP decided to ban Haven and Bind and picked Icebox for Map 1. DRX banned Split and Ascent and chose Breeze for Map 2. Fracture defaulted as the tiebreaker map.
Map 1: Icebox
DRX immediately took the pistol round on offense, forcing NiP to take a long tactical pause. DRX did not lose their momentum and won the second round. However, NiP won the third round and prevented DRX from taking the lead too far in the early game.
Yet, DRX won the next five rounds without any trouble. NiP couldn’t succeed in a Thrifty in round seven, and DRX Rb secured round eight with four kills. NiP won round nine, but DRX secured the first half 10-2 by winning the last three rounds.
DRX won the pistol round again in the second half, but NiP was quick to stop the momentum by winning rounds 14 and 15.Â
DRX held their ground as defenders when DRX stax won round 16 by using KAY/O’s grenade to stop the plant. After that, DRX won another round, and NiP lost with a brutal 13-4 scoreline.
Map 2: Breeze
After the analysis, a long technical pause caused the delay of the second map game. When it started, NiP immediately won the first two rounds. DRX responded with three round wins and proved why they chose this map
NiP took round six and brought the score to a tie. However, DRX won the next two rounds, achieving a Flawless in the eighth round. It was a back and forth until Rb secured the 10th round with four kills.
NiP Cauanzin secured round 11, winning an essential Thrifty round with three kills. However, DRX Mako secured the 12th round by killing three enemies in his Viper’s Pit. DRX closes the first half with a two-round lead on a 7-5 scoreline.
In the second half, NiP took two rounds in a row. NiP xand brought the game to a tie with four kills in round 14. However, DRX continued their onslaught bringing the series to an end in a 2-0 sweep.
What’s Next?
DRX proceeds to the playoffs while NiP will face ZETA DIVISION in the Group A decider match. The current teams secured in the Playoffs are Team Liquid, G2 Esports, The Guard, LOUD, and Paper Rex.
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