Jos "Ret" de Kroon is the champion of the European Battle.net Invitational, winning the title by once again defeating Naniwa in a convincing manner.
After their first encounter in the Ro4, the two players met in a grudge match but this time Ret would not drop a single map against Naniwa. The protoss, who said he wanted to prove that he is the best player in Europe, will have to satisfy with the second place but has earned the right to compete at Blizzcon nonetheless.
In the first set on Metalopolis, Ret exploded with a heavy macro build and, seeing that Naniwa is in return responding with rapid expansion pattern, launched a multi-pronged attack, dropping his main forces in Nani's main and at the same time doing a ling run-by at the protoss fourth to kill two nexuses and gain an unlosable lead.
On Shakuras, Naniwa attempted a blink stalker rush to punish Ret's quick third, but the Zerg had skipped ling speed in favor of faster lair and his upgraded roaches surrounded and owned the protoss army with ease, bringing Ret the victory.
By reaching top 2, both Ret and Naniwa will represent Europe at Blizzcon 2011. The "Road to Blizzcon" continues with the Latin America Invitational (10-11 August) and North America Invitational (12-13 August).
Europe Battle.net Invitational Standings
1st Jos Ret de Kroon, €7,000
2nd Johan Naniwa Lucchesi, €3,500
3rd Marcus Thorzain Eklöf, €2,100
4th Tomasz Tarson Boroń, €1,750
