Bilibili Gaming (BLG) has secured a crucial victory against Anyone’s Legend (AL) in the LPL Split 3, marking a triumphant debut for their new jungler, Zhao "Shad0w" Zhi-Qiang. This win not only snaps a three-match losing streak against AL but also signals a promising start for BLG in the current split.
A Resounding Debut for Shad0w
BLG’s acquisition of Shad0w, alongside Yang "Beichuan" Ling, signals a strategic move towards a six-man roster. Despite AL entering the match as favorites, having won their last three encounters, BLG, with Shad0w at the helm, proved their mettle. The series saw a dramatic shift in momentum, with BLG ultimately clinching a vital best-of-three win.
Key Takeaways
- BLG ended a three-game losing streak against Anyone’s Legend.
- New jungler Shad0w showed promising synergy with mid laner Knight.
- The series was a hard-fought battle, with two games extending beyond 30 minutes.
A Long and Grueling Series
The opening game was a chaotic affair, characteristic of the LPL’s aggressive style, with both teams burning flashes early. AL took the first game, powered by an exceptional performance from Li "Flandre" Xuanjun on Rumble. Game 2 became the longest of the series, stretching to 39 minutes, where BLG managed to equalize. This game highlighted the nascent synergy between Shad0w and mid laner Zhuo "Knight" Ding.
Game 3 also surpassed the 30-minute mark. Shad0w adopted a more supportive role on Sejuani, while Chen "Bin" Ze-Bin anchored the frontline on Renekton. BLG’s classic teamfight composition proved effective, allowing them to close out the series and secure their first win of LPL Split 3 against a formidable opponent.
LPL Split 3 Resumes
The LPL Split 3 officially resumed on July 19, shortly before the conclusion of the Esports World Cup. Both AL and BLG had their return matches scheduled for July 26, allowing them time to recover from international commitments. This contrasts with teams like Gen.G, who had to return to LCK action much sooner after their EWC victory.
Current Standings Snapshot
As the split progresses, Top Esports currently leads the standings with a perfect record, followed by Invictus Gaming and Weibo Gaming, who are both at 2-1.
