Right before play started between TLAF-Liquid` and coL.MvP, the team learned that MvP was on break thanks to the new years holiday in Korea. It was, by all means, a lucky break, but it didn't change much for Liquid`. Having expected and prepared for MvP, the team was as ready for whatever challenge.

Against a spirited performance from coL., the seriousness with which Liquid` has approached IPL TAC2 paid off. After an opening loss by HayprO to coL.Minigun, Sheth stepped in and rattled off an impressive string of victories, nearly getting the all-kill. Only in a dramatic, back-and-forth ZvZ did Sheth finally bow out of the arena, though not after nearly working his way back from what had appeared an unwinnable situation. There was no messing around this time around. Out came Zenio and his superb ZvZ, and he quickly closed down the game with a decisive one base ling-baneling victory.



As was mentioned in the preview, however, there's a lot left to go. Redemption is the key word this time around, and it won't come from just a single win against half of a team. Up next will be a stiff challenge, either from the stellar eastern European team Empire, or the Korean stalwarts Prime. Whatever the match-up, Liquid` is guaranteed to be tested more than they were in the first round, but everyone knows that's just how it goes. For Empire or Prime, they'll know that the test against Liquid` will be equally as difficult. If the memo hasn't gone out yet, it should come out now; Liquid` is going to fight tooth and nail for ground in this event, to at least reclaim the mantle of the best foreign team, and as a step towards the end goal of becoming the best team in the world.

That's a long path, and this tournament is long with many twists and turns, but this isn't last years Liquid`. Make sure to set aside Feb 14, 19:00 CST[local], as Liquid` will take on the winner of Empire/Prime in the second winners round of IPL TAC. It's going to be epic.

Liquid` fighting.