Natus Vincere have secured their placement in the Grand Final of ESL One: New York 2016 after defeating Team Liquid in a best-of-three series.
The CIS representatives have once again proven their status as they were able to defeat Team Liquid in a best-of-three series. The scores were fairly close, with either team able to take away the series. This outcomes leaves Liquid with a fourth place and Na'Vi advance to the Grand Final of ESL One: New York 2016.
ESL One: New York 2016 - Semi-final #1
Natus Vincere vs. Team Liquid
Winner: Natus Vincere
Maps: de_Cobblestone, de_Train, de_Dust2 - 3:5, 4:11 (7:16); 8:7, 8:6 (16:13); 13:2, 3:8 (16:10)
MVP: Egor "flamie" Vasiliyev
The first semi-final of the event saw Natus Vincere pull ahead of Team Liquid in a close best-of-three series. It all started on de_Cobblestone, where Team Liquid were able to outperform the CIS mix. The Americans were able to demonstrate a stellar CT half, where the team stopped Na'Vi in all the right places. Thing were going well for TL, as the team accumulated an 11:4 lead by half time. Na'Vi tried their best to bounce back into action on the CT side, however it didn't seem possible, as Liquid had an outstanding initial spring, that not only gave them a confidence and momentum boost going into the series, but also the first map - 16:7 for Liquid.
Up next was de_Train, the closest map of the series. Neither team seemed to be doing particularly better in either half, making for an astonishingly tense 29 rounds. In the first half Na'Vi kicked off on the T side, where the team was able to slightly outmanoeuvre their opponent with an 8:7 finish. Liquid weren't about to give up, as the team pushed for a win on the T side; however this didn't seem to be enough as they were simply unable to persevere over the CIS mix - a soul crushing 13:16 loss for Team Liquid.
The final, most important map of the series - de_Dust2. Na'Vi initiate on the CT side of the aim-oriented map with a truly commanding presence. The team dominated throughout the first half, disabling Team Liquid at every possibility given. An astonishing defence lead to a 13:2 half time for Na'Vi, the most comfortable the CIS roster has been since the first map. Despite apparent determination, Liquid were ultimately unable to do anything about their situation. The team went on to secure a solid eight rounds on the CT half; however unfortunately for them, Na'Vi needed but three rounds to close the series out and so they did. 16:10 - Natus Vincere proceed to the Grand Finals of ESL One: New York 2016.
