Advertisement

TSM takes out first day loss frustrations on SSG at League of Legends Worlds

Svenskeren shut down Samsung Galaxy with his incredible Lee Sin play (Riot Games/Lolesports)
Svenskeren shut down Samsung Galaxy with his incredible Lee Sin play (Riot Games/Lolesports)

Judging by the beating Team SoloMid handed to Samsung Galaxy on the second day of the League of Legends World Championship 2016, the North American team wasn’t happy about their loss to Royal Never Give Up.

Coming into champion select against the third seed Korean team, TSM aimed to take over the early game, picking up Lee Sin for Dennis “Svenskeren” Johnsen, Syndra for Søren “Bjergsen” Bjerg, and Kennen for Kevin “Hauntzer” Yarnell. The planned strategy paid off, with Svenskeren handing his solo lanes massive early leads with mechanically incredible plays. Bjergsen did his best Faker impression, demolishing Lee “Crown” Min-ho, allowing TSM to cruise into a late game win.

TSM still isn’t perfect, though. After going up more than ten thousand gold around the 20 minute mark, they stalled out on the aggression, instead choosing to slowly chip away at turrets and fail to set up baits for the next 10 minutes or so.

Sure, they ended up winning, but about 10 minutes later than a more aggressive team would have. Despite a ridiculous early lead and three winning lanes, they still looked afraid to push their luck and dive turrets to close things out. If TSM hopes to go deep into this tournament, they’re going to have to figure out a way to play more aggressively.

Of course, TSM is well-known for losing early games in tournaments and turning things around – domestically, at least. They have yet to really show that level of rapid improvement on the international stage, but today is a good start.

Taylor Cocke’s ears are ringing from the TSM TSM TSM TSM TSM chants. Follow him on Twitter @taylorcocke.