Natus Vincere proved another time why they are considered favourites for the first Star Series championship. The Ukrainians beat CLG in today's winner bracket final and are now only one match away from the ultimate triumph.
Na`Vi
vs
CLG
Right off the start, middle and bottom lane took catastrophic turns for CLG. While MiSeRy- on Shadow Fiend fell behind to Dendi's Invoker in the duel of the solos, XBOCT and AA shut out Pajkatt from completely, a state which he could not recover from later. Top lane worked out slightly better for the Swedes, but even there, three Dire heroes could not land a kill on LightofHeaven, who kept his Broodmother alive with a stable performance.
Ever since the first minutes, clutch Sun Strikes by Dendi caused trouble for CLG, who seemd floored overall by Na`Vi's pressure. XBOCT executed the initiator role perfectly, most of his Burrow Strikes hit more than one target and no Epicenter was out of place. It seemed like the Ukrainians were able to win the game without LightofHeaven as well. Hand in hand with his completed Orchid came the decisive push for the first win.
CLG
vs
Na`Vi
Contrary to assumptions that saw CLG lose the second game in similar fashion, the Swedes this time got to show why they have the claim to play in the Star Series winner bracket final. Their bottom lane consisting of a farming Anti-Mage and a Crystal Maiden, put LightofHeaven's Lone Druid into an early disadvantage, top and mid lane shaped to be more even as well. Na`Vi presented a much more conservative draft featuring Puppey as jungling Pugna; XBOCT and AA faced off against a Sand King up top.
CLG got to display their skill a lot more often during the mid game, especially Miracle whose Disruptions saved entangled allies repeatedly. Pajkatt meanwhile got to pawn the one or another head during his farm session as well. The only drop of bitterness for the Swedes, marked the - for the most part - missing Blink Dagger on MiSeRy's Tidehunter, which came too late. Na`Vi's Lone Druid had in the meantime recovered from his rocky start and obtained his core set of items in decent speed. The Ukrainians biggest benefit during the hard-fought mid game marked an even farm-distribution among their heroes. No Dire hero fell behind in terms of experience and equipment, contrary to CLG who concentrated their economic efforts on Pajkatt.
The longer the game lasted, the more evident became Na`Vi's advantage. Dendi , who showed impressive Invoker-micro in both games, contributed a lot to the well-being of his team mates, which eventually also let them take on the opponents base buildings and secure the win.
Today's performances earns Na`Vi a day off and a spot in the Star Series grand final to be played on Sunday. CLG will face Moscow5 in tomorrow's loser bracket final for another chance to beat them.
