Sibol’s last-ditch ambitions to make an impact in its 19th Asian Games esports campaign came to an end with a 0-1 setback to Kyrgyzstan in the Group Stage action of DOTA 2 matches on a late Friday evening at the Hangzhou Esports center.
The loss eliminated Sibol from contention for the quarterfinals, allowing Uzbekistan to advance to the next stage with a two-game sweep of Group A.
Sibol had gained confidence in its chances when the Filipino gamers prevailed over India. However, Uzbekistan, powered by safe laner Kyailhek Tairov, strengthened its bid after also defeating India in the earlier matches.
Uzbekistan will now face Nepal for a spot in the semifinals, while China, Saudi Arabia, and Malaysia have also secured spots in the quarterfinals.
Meanwhile, the John To-led Sibol team was eliminated from contention in the Dream Three Kingdoms 2 quarterfinal.
On opening day, Jorrell Aristorenas suffered a 0-2 loss to Brunei’s Rashed Alrowaihi and to India’s Charanjot Singh, 0-2, in the loser’s bracket of FIFA Online.
In the Arena of Valor action, Thailand’s Vatcharanan Taworn defeated the Sibol team led by Miguel Banaag with a score of 1-0, advancing in Group D.
Ross Jhan Villarin fell 0-2 to Thailand’s Sitta Chantasriviroje to open the Street Fighter tournament.
Though Villarin bounced back with a 2-0 victory over Maldives’ Umar Rabil Nuzair in the loser’s bracket opener, he fell to Chantasriviroje anew in the second round.
