The MongolZ are the first team through to the 2024 Perfect World Shanghai Major, after beating Mark "ohnePixel" Zimmermann's DRILLAS 2-1. DRILLAS will need to run the lower bracket from now on.
The DRILLAS, who were just one map away from securing their spot in the major, found themselves outmatched by The MongolZ, who lived up to their reputation as tournament front-runners.
DRILLAS miss out on their first opportunity to qualify for the Major!
ohnePixel's squad came out swinging on their chosen map of Mirage, building a commanding lead with tenacious play and clever tactics. Their attacks caught The MongolZ off-guard early on, allowing DRILLAS to edge ahead, leading 10-2 at the half.
hAdji is on fire!#ShanghaiMajor2024 pic.twitter.com/9sDZyK7Ao1
— CS_PerfectWorld (@CS_PerfectWorld) November 12, 2024
However, despite their lead, DRILLAS encountered stiff resistance as The MongolZ mounted a comeback, narrowing the gap and almost forcing overtime.
In the end, DRILLAS managed to close out Mirage with a 13-11 victory, narrowly holding off The MongolZ to take the series opener.
Strong opener against the world's No. 9 pic.twitter.com/E1OjBvBQWv
— HLTV.org (@HLTVorg) November 12, 2024
With Mirage secured, DRILLAS found themselves just one map away from advancing to the major. However, The MongolZ, led by Garidmagnai "bLitz" Byambasuren, were determined to reassert their dominance.
On the second map of Ancient, DRILLAS struggled to find their footing against the relentless pressure and clinical execution that The MongolZ brought to the game.
The MongolZ’s strategy and experience began to show, as they outmaneuvered DRILLAS on both offense and defense.
DRILLAS ultimately had little response, as The MongolZ decisively took the map and tied the series 13-2. Their 17-year-old wonder kid Ayush "mzinho" Batbold shined bright with a 1.80 rating on Ancient.
Team "DRILLAS" lost the 2nd game in the BO3 vs MongolzOne map left, winner goes to Major pic.twitter.com/f3Xu3kQviT
— ohnePixel Updates (@ohnePixelUpdate) November 12, 2024
The final map Anubis painted a similar picture, as The MongolZ displayed their superior coordination and individual skill, delivering a swift and definitive performance that left DRILLAS little room to counter.
The MongolZ’s ability to control the map and dictate the pace put DRILLAS on the back foot, with the game quickly slipping out of reach.
The Moment of Triumph.Congratulations to The MongolZ!#ShanghaiMajor2024 pic.twitter.com/ptJsGgUEgq
— CS_PerfectWorld (@CS_PerfectWorld) November 12, 2024
The MongolZ closed out the series, leaving DRILLAS to fight for survival in the lower bracket.
The MongolZ reverse sweep DRILLAS 2-1, becoming the first team to qualify for the 2024 Shanghai Major!#ShanghaiMajor2024 pic.twitter.com/ckAno9oD3l
— CS_PerfectWorld (@CS_PerfectWorld) November 12, 2024
DRILLAS will now face FlyQuest tomorrow in a must-win lower-bracket match. To keep their major dreams alive, they’ll need to win this series and another best-of-three against the winner of the other lower-bracket semifinal.
With their resilience tested, DRILLAS now face an uphill battle to secure a place at the Shanghai Major, with no margin for error.
ohnePixel post Mongolz game interview"We are edging warriors. Everytime we face elimination we f*cking pull through you already know." pic.twitter.com/RTJXf5X5bg
— ohnePixel Updates (@ohnePixelUpdate) November 12, 2024
They must regroup quickly and find a way to overcome FlyQuest if they want to continue their journey.
What do you think? Will the DRILLAS be able to run through the lower bracket, or is the dream going to be over tomorrow?