RNG forfeit TI11 Group Stage game against PSG.LGD after Somnus tests positive for COVID-19
In a bizarre twist to a hyped Chinese derby, PSG.LGD took a default win to go 2-0 against Group A leaders Royal Never Give Up (RNG) at The International 2022 (TI11) Group Stage Day 3 opening series.
PSG.LGD had shown great form in easily taking down RNG 32-9 in the first game in just 27 minutes, with their opponents putting up a lacklustre showing.
RNG's offlaner Yang "Chalice" Shenyi had a dismal first game on Jakiro, going 1/8/5, with the rest of the team not faring much better.
However, just as the next game was due to start, it was announced on the broadcast that the second match would be cancelled, as RNG had forfeited due to a "medical issue".
RNG later posted an update on its Weibo, stating that midlaner Lu "Somnus" Yao has contracted COVID-19 and is currently at the hospital being treated.
While Somnus has returned to play the remaining games on Day 3, the team has updated that everyone in the squad with the exception of Yap "xNova" Jian Wei have gotten infected.
The team is now playing in isolation, with masks on, and no PGL crew to film the drafts.
The default win puts PSG.LGD into a top 4 spot for the upper bracket seeding at the Main Event, though they will still have three more series to play if they are to hold on to the spot.
However, this may be tough, as the team is currently under a draft penalty.
PSG.LGD's manager Pan Fei failed to report that he had tested positive with COVID-19, and Valve had punished the team by allowing RNG to choose the sides they want, and removing reserve draft time against BOOM Esports and Gaimin Gladiators.
TI11's Group Stage will take place from 15 to 18 October, where 20 teams will fight to become among the 16 squads to advance to the Main Event. The 20 teams have been split into two groups of 10 teams each and will go through a single round robin with best-of-two matches.
The Top 4 teams in each group will advance to the upper bracket of the Main Event. The 5th-8th placed teams will also qualify for the Main Event, though they will have to start from the lower bracket.
Meanwhile, the bottom two teams of each group will be eliminated early.
TI11's Main Event will be a double-elimination bracket and is split into two phases, the first being held from 20 to 23 October while the second will take place from 29 to 30 October.
TI11 will be hosted in Singapore from 15 to 30 October and features a revamped format and a longer schedule.
For everything you need to know about TI11, check here.
Aloysius Low is an ex-CNET editor with more than 15 years of experience. He's really into cats and is currently reviewing products at canbuyornot.com
If you're a fan of Dota 2 both as a game and as an esports title, check out our Dota 2 page. From news to results, to the latest game meta or builds, as well as player interviews, there's something for everyone.
For more esports news updates, visit https://yhoo.it/YahooEsportsSEA and check out Yahoo Esports Southeast Asia’s Facebook page and Twitter, as well as our Gaming channel on YouTube.
