Virtus.pro pulled off a stunning upset against Team Spirit in the Clavision: Snow Ruyi tournament, emerging victorious with a 2-1 scoreline after a thrilling 61-minute match on July 29.
The series showcased intense back-and-forth action, with Virtus.pro claiming the first game due to their bold picks of Sven and Windranger. However, Team Spirit, the two-time TI champions, fought back in game two, showcasing superior map control.
In the decisive final game, Team Spirit tried to rely on their comfort picks but were unable to overcome a revitalized Virtus.pro. The match lasted almost four hours, stretching into the late hours of the night in Zhangjiakou, China.
Image Credit: Valve
Virtus.pro fielded stand-ins at support in the form of One Move’s Vladislav “Rein” Kosygin and Hydra’s Dmitry “doctorboom” Tazhibaev. These substitutes seamlessly integrated into the lineup, contributing to VP’s unexpected victory over Team Spirit.
After a disappointing 2-0 loss to Na’Vi earlier in the day, Virtus.pro’s triumph came as a surprise to many, showcasing their resilience and adaptability.
Meanwhile, Team Spirit has had a mixed performance in the Group Stage of Snow Ruyi, currently holding a 3-3 record after a win and a loss on the first day, with two more games scheduled for tomorrow.
As the group stage nears its conclusion, Team Spirit will need to improve their performance to fend off challenges from Natus Vincere and Virtus.pro, who have shown strong form in the tournament.
Clavision: Snow Ruyi’s group stage concludes on July 30, followed by a day’s break on July 31 before the tournament continues until August 4, with the champion walking away with the majority of the $500,000 prize pool.
