Going undefeated on day two of the group stage, Marines Esports quickly secured their spot in the second round of the play-in stage.
Unbeaten in both the GPL and VCS Spring Splits, Southeast Asian team Marines Esports looked to continue their streak into the Mid-Season Invitational.
Placed into Group B of the play-in stage, Marines went through the first half of the double round robin without a single loss, handily beating Lyon Gaming, Isurus Gaming, and Virtus Pro.
With three wins under their belt, Marines needed only to win their first match of the day, a rematch with Lyon Gaming, to earn a spot in the next round.
As both teams loaded onto the Rift, it was quite clear that Marines had a plan. Seven minutes in, they initiated a five man dive onto Lyon AD carry Matías “WhiteLotus” Musso. The rest of Lyon, slow to answer the dive, tried to roam down but ended up caught themselves. Marines’ dive ended successfully, with two kills and first brick gold.
Marines continued their aggression as they moved their duo to the top lane. Once again, Marines attempted another dive, this time at top lane. Lyon, who were unprepared to fight, began to fall as Marines mid laner Trần “Optimus” Văn Cường earned himself a quadra kill on Fizz.
From this point on Lyon could do nothing to stop the five members of Marines. By 23 minutes, Marines were inside Lyon’s base. With only their mid laner and support alive, Lyon were forced to sit in the fountain as their Nexus was destroyed.
With their win against Lyon, Marines—alongside SuperMassive—will either play against North America’s Team SoloMid or Taiwan’s Flash Wolves. The draw to decide who will play TSM or Flash Wolves will occur later today.
