In a devastating blow to their aspirations, Team Aster's journey at the Bali Major 2023 came to a premature end, effectively dashing their hopes of securing a direct invite to The International 12 (TI12). The Chinese squad's disappointing performance in the lower bracket, succumbing 2-0 to 9Pandas, sealed their fate and pushed them out of contention for a coveted direct invite to the prestigious tournament.

Team Aster Misses Out on TI12 Direct Invite After Back to Back Bali Major losses

With the opportunity to secure their spot in TI12 hanging in the balance, Team Aster entered the Bali Major with determination. As the playoffs commenced, their chances seemed promising, given their relatively close position to the top 12 in the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) rankings.

Their first crucial challenge materialized in the upper bracket against Quest Esports, a team also vying for a direct invite to TI12. The series showcased intense gameplay, with each team capitalizing on their draft advantages. Team Aster managed to clinch the first game, but Quest Esports rallied back to take the second. In a surprising twist, Quest Esports opted for an unconventional offlaner choice in Slark, catching Team Aster off guard. Despite early advantages, Team Aster couldn't maintain their momentum and succumbed to defeat, closing the door on their hopes for a direct invite.

 https://youtu.be/3FoHdu_3jak 

Relegated to the lower bracket, Team Aster faced 9Pandas, with draft strategies once again proving pivotal. While the Chinese squad showcased commendable execution in the first game, 9Pandas responded with a meticulously planned approach in the subsequent matches. Caught off guard by their opponents' precision, Team Aster suffered two consecutive losses, resulting in a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat and their exit from the tournament.

Team Aster's decision to recruit Sumail "SumaiL" Hassan from the Western scene did not yield the desired results. Although the team witnessed glimpses of promise and SumaiL consistently demonstrated his skills, they struggled to find the necessary momentum to establish their dominance in the Dota 2 competitive landscape.

Also read: Dota Pro Circuit Rankings: Addressing Discrepancies to Uphold Fair Competition

Looking ahead, Team Aster now faces the arduous task of competing in the regional qualifiers for a chance at securing a spot in TI12. The battle within the Chinese region promises to be fierce, with only one team receiving a direct invite and formidable contenders such as Invictus Gaming, Azure Ray, and Xtreme Gaming vying for the same opportunity.

While Team Aster's Bali Major journey has come to an end, the spotlight now shifts to the remaining contenders, particularly Quest Esports and BetBoom, as they strive to secure the coveted TI12 qualifier spot in what promises to be an exhilarating conclusion to the event.