Predictions: Round 1: Dust2

compLexity vs Hyper!
In what is sure to be a classic, the only two undefeated CEVO teams are facing off in the very first match of the Invitational. Both of these teams are statistically head and shoulders above the other competition in source right now and this will be the first time we have seen them go head to head in a match environment. One of the best teams I have had the pleasure of seeing on dust2 this season is Check-Six, and surprisingly enough Check-Six is the only team that either of these two played on the map. coL flat out dominated Check-Six in their match and Hyper! played them very closely, ultimately winning due to an overturn. When i asked KG of x6 about this match up he said "coL is definitely the better team on dust2, they have quick flanks and aggressive ct style of play. Hyper has more of the traditional source play style, a lot more predictable." fRoD is going to be holding down mid while the team pushes their spots, leading with flashes. Watch for coL to play aggressively in mid/cat and for them to converge on those spots from long/B. Hyper! is going to be hard pressed to stop the coordinated pushes. I think that it was unfortunate for Hyper! to get matched up with coL on this map as opposed to one of the other two. It isn't one of their more solid maps, whereas the opposite is true for coL.

Gn0me’s Prediction: coL > Hyper! 16-12

EFG vs Team3D
3D did not take a loss on dust2 this season, but their match against United 5 was too close for comfort. EFG dominated rSports in their first d2 match up, but got burned by the likes of Flow in their second one. Historically EFG is very strong on dust2 and so is their interim fifth paradox. EFG's run and gun offense usually works pretty well for them on this map because they are able to quickly flash, push, peak, and pick opponents then either reverse direction or roll on through to the site. Also be aware of a semi-aggressive CT side on their part, in which they will try to control the middle area of the map. Flashes over mid and cat/B pushes will come at random intervals to try to throw 3D off. I expect 3D's more methodical play to pay off for them because they are coordinated enough to at least trade kills in any situation. Volcano and Lin need to step up again like they did in the last meeting between these two teams. Also, 3D needs to again shut down Warmachine, if he gets on a roll he can be a dominant player. Last time these two played Warmachine was held to only 16 kills total. EFG will be relying on pure fragging ability to win this one, which they have plenty of, but I don't see them being able to outlast 3D as far as teamwork and preparedness go.

Gn0me’s Prediction: Team3D > EFG 16-13

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