With group A and B of Intel Extreme Masters Taipei concluded, we were going into the semifinals, where we got to see two Australian vs. Asian clashes, deciding not only who will get to play for the title and the spot at IEM World Championship, but the two spots for the offline qualifier for the CS:GO Major at MLG Columbus. This set the stage for two big matches and four teams ready to give it all.
Chiefs eSports Club vs. The MongolZ
In the first match of the day, The MongolZ were set to meet the Chiefs eSports Club. After seeing The MongolZ besting Renegades during the groupstage, the Australian were warned about the challenge ahead and took Inferno by 16-13, due to their solid CT half combined with four T-rounds. But The MongolZ came back strong and won Dust2 - their own pick - by 16-10 and forced the game to the third map. On Cobblestone, it was once again Machinegun and his MongolZ taking the upper hand and securing themselves the grand final with a 16-9 scoreline.
Petition for Machinegun to change his name to Machinegod? #IEM #CSGO https://t.co/py9ZBNjBF1https://t.co/NCjh6VYugx
— Intel®ExtremeMasters (@IEM) January 31st, 2016
After dropping out as fourth placed team during the group stage of the Asian qualifier for ESL One Cologne last year, this marks a big step for The MongolZ. They now already got the ticket to the offline qualifier for the next CS:GO Major and still have a shot at even making it to the IEM World Championship!
Renegades vs. CyberZen
With both of the invited teams clashing in the second semi final, the fans were excited to see how this match would go down. Renegades, coming in with the experience from multiple international majors, made it clear early on that they didn’t come here to fool around. Leading his mates to a 16-8 win on Cobblestone, SPUNJ was once again the big vocal part on Renegades. Moving on to Mirage, CyberZen were not able to crack the Australians defence more than three times, leaving the map for Renegades to score the 2-0 in the series by 16-4.
Happy little triple kill from @SPUNJcsgo #IEM #CSGO https://t.co/py9ZBNjBF1https://t.co/wmlshlYYLM
— Intel®ExtremeMasters (@IEM) January 31st, 2016
Underlining their strength once more, Renegades have proven to be among the strongest in the Asian and Oceanian region. Facing The MongolZ again tomorrow, is their chance to make the loss during group stage forgotten. However, this also leaves The MongolZ with a chance to take over the Asian crown and continue their impressive run by repeating this result from only two days ago.
The grand final coming up tomorrow!
The rematch between The MongolZ and Renegades for the title at Intel Extreme Masters Taipei will be kicking off at 13:00 CNST (UTC+8) tomorrow, 1st of February. Make sure to tune in, as this match does determine the winner of the lion’s share of the US$50,000 prize pool as well as a spot at Intel Extreme Masters World Championship in Katowice.
Intel Extreme Masters Taipei got even more highlights, updates and more coming your way via Twitter and Facebook. Head over to the official website for all scores, the full schedule and more.