The all-Filipino lineup of Team Secret (TS) handed the Singapore-based Paper Rex (PRX) its first defeat. They beat them 2-1 in the VCT Pacific League last Sunday, April 2, 2023.
The matchup between Team Secret and Paper Rex, dubbed as el Clasico, is one for the books. Two powerhouse teams from Southeast Asia battled for the first time this year. In the 2022 VCT Season, both Team Secret and Paper Rex made history. They also competed in numerous international Masters events and at Champions in Turkey.
However, before their win against PRX, TS was beaten by the same lineup twice in 2022. TS lost 0-2 at the upper bracket finals of the VCT Asia-Pacific Stage 2: Challengers. They also lost 1-2 at the semifinal of the Valorant India Invitational by Galaxy Racer.
Team Secret vs. Paper Rex All Maps
In the first map of Haven, Team Secret started strong on the defender side. They won five of the first six rounds. Unfortunately for them, Paper Rex tied the first game at 6-6 at the end of the first half.
With TS attacking, they managed to start the second half strong again as they built a lead of 10-7. However, Paper Rex successfully defended the sites in the next five games to reach matchpoint, 12-10.
TS managed to extend the game with a wipeout win in the 23rd round. However, Paper Rex closed the game in the next round.
In the second map of Fracture, TS Invy, the new addition, took the mantle. He undoubtedly led the team to a strong 8-4 score in the first half. Yet, in the second half, PRX tried to extend the map to overtime and sweep Team Secret. However, TS Borkum said no as they closed Fracture 13-11.
In the last map of Split, PRX Jinggg delivered an ace in the last round of the first half. PRX started in Attacker Side, and Jinggg gave his team a 7-5 lead. Fortunately for Team Secret, they stayed consistent in the next half. On the attacking side, they handed Paper Rex its first loss in VCT Pacific, 13-10.
After the game, series MVP Jayvee “DubsteP” Paguirigan said that he did not expect the match to go to the win-or-lose Game 3. However, he’s glad they managed to play consistently as a team.
I did not expect it to go to [Game 3], but it was really a good match. I’m glad we pulled through
DubsteP in the VCT Post-Match Interview.
Team Secret will next face the Korean team, Gen. G. Paper Rex will play against another Korean team, T1, in the third week of the VCT Pacific League.
Photo credits: Team Secret Twitter | VCT Pacific Twitter
