Having lost to OG and their crazy carry IO strategy, Ninjas in Pyjamas had plenty to prove. Na’Vi, on the other hand, were fresh off a series win over regional rival Virtus Pro and hoped to carry the momentum of their win to close out their day.
NiP dominated the start of game one right from the get go, but Na’Vi managed to rally and get a pick off Neta “33” Shapira’s Timbersaw who was farming the enemy jungle alone.
However, that wasn’t enough as NiP continued to engage Na’Vi in team fights that did not work out in their favor.
Na’Vi wised up though, and started to fight better, and managed to start building up a lead by the 27-minute mark despite being down three kills. A Roshan fight secured them four kills to finally take the lead and go up to the high ground of NiP’s base as well.
With the lead all but secured, Na’Vi took the first game shortly after.
The second game started out with Na’Vi on its Earth Spirit and Ancient Apparition support duo played by Bakyt “Zayac” Emilzhanov and Akbar “SoNNeikO” Butaev. With NiP picking up Razor, Na’Vi opted for an Alchemist safe lane and a Queen of Pain mid instead.
NiP started out strong in game two once again, but history repeated itself, and Na’Vi were able to turn things around.
Na’Vi’s comeback started with a quick gank on Peter “ppd” Dager that let the CIS squad gradually find their groove.
Na’Vi took full control of the game at the 30-minute mark with a full teamwipe on NiP.
From there, it was all Na’Vi as Idan “MagicaL” Vardanian’s Queen of Pain racked up kill after kill, eventually ending with a beyond Godlike streak, and carrying Na’Vi to a second victory.
Be sure to check out our coverage of The International 2019 Group Stage for more TI9 action.
