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9 months ago
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The Riyadh Masters 2023 has started off with Quest Esports taking the spotlight with three straight victories against OG, 9pandas, and Team Secret. After defeating OG and 9pandas, the series against the latter was supposed to be much more competitive given the latter's positive results in its first two series as well, but Quest made simple work not just by drafting better but also by proving to be much more cohesive and stable in its execution. It is an unexpectedly strong start for Quest after its former offlaner Ammar "ATF" Al-Assaf's sudden departure just a few days into the Riyadh Masters had left the team scrambling for a replacement.
Team Secret vs Quest Esports: Match recap and highlights
Recap
In game 1, even though there were kills traded, both teams came out even after the laning phase. Secret's roster had the firepower to win the fight early on, but its draft slowed down in the later stages. When Quest went on the offensive after picking up key items, Secret couldn't do much other than give away some kills and then eventually retreat. Quest, aware that it would become more difficult as the game went on concentrated on the objectives to win in 36 minutes.
In game 2, Secret chose Meepo for Armel as its last pick despite not having the best matchups. In the laning stage, Quest outplayed Secret and as a result, all three cores were wealthier. There were a few times when Secret pulled all five heroes together to surprise the opponents, but kaori was flawless on Phoenix, effectively countering all such tactics. Crystallis struggled to get traction in the game and finished 0-4-3 on carry Juggernaut as Secret's mediocre play resulted in a defeat in 26 minutes.
Highlights
Here are some highlights of the series.
In the Riyadh Masters, Quest was being considered a team to look out for until ATF departed, forcing Quest to take Abdimalik "Malik" Sailau on loan from Natus Vincere. However, as things stand currently, the team continues to stay on top and Malik has been a seamless addition to the squad, making a considerable contribution in the offlane.
Quest has executed the game textbook style and showed a great understanding of execution. With a very strong position in Group B in the play-ins stage, the team is on course to qualify for the group stage.
In light of the way Secret was defeated and if it wants to finish in the top two and go directly to the group stage, Secret will need to up the ante in the remaining two matchups.
Xtreme Gaming and Beastcoast are Quest's remaining opponents, whereas Secret is facing OG and 9pandas next in the Riyadh Masters 2023 play-ins.
