Faker is an absolute legend in League of Legends. But now the pro has injured his hand. The only 17-year-old Yoon “Poby” Sung-won has temporarily replaced him. In his first match as a pro, he had to face a direct competitor in the playoff race and had a hard time.
What’s happening at T1?
- Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok is an absolute legend. He has been playing for T1 since 2013, has won the World Championship three times, the Mid-Season Invitational, and has secured numerous league titles.
- But currently the pro is struggling with a hand injury. This is apparently so serious that he has to take a break (via Twitter).
- His replacement comes from within the ranks, from T1’s Challenger team. However, Poby is not a regular player in the mid lane there, but has only played two matches in the Summer Split. They won one and lost one of those.
Poby had to step directly into the shoes of Faker as a relatively inexperienced player. To make matters worse, the summer season has not been ideal for T1 so far. While they topped the Spring Split with 17 wins and only one loss, they were only in third place with 6:2 before the match.
You can learn more about Faker’s story here:
Poby is a great talent, but the pressure was too much
How did the game go for Poby? At the beginning, he did well in the mid lane, even gaining a lead in minion kills. However, things were mixed on the side lanes, and DRX temporarily took the lead with 8:0 kills. Poby secured the first kill for T1 in a team fight, but then died himself shortly after.
The whole team appeared unstable and uncoordinated. Possibly, they lacked Faker’s calls and roaming potential.
The second match also started promisingly with a First Blood for T1 and a CS lead for Poby. However, after a lost team fight in the middle, T1 lost control. In the end, the series was won 2:0, and Poby finished the second match on Annie with 0 kills and 4 deaths.
What’s next? T1 has to face the first-placed Gen.G on Saturday. They haven’t lost a single match in the Summer Split yet. It is currently unclear whether Faker will be able to play again or if Poby will be deployed again. A statement is expected tomorrow.
Despite the loss, T1 managed to maintain third place, but it’s getting tighter. With another loss, they could slip to fifth and end the “first half” there. To qualify for the playoffs, they must at least reach sixth place.
The “second half” will start on July 14. T1 will then face NongShim REDFORCE, who are currently last in the standings.
What does the future hold for Poby? Poby is considered a great talent and is viewed by some as Faker’s long-term successor. However, he couldn’t show his potential in his first appearance in the LCK.
You can watch a highlight video of Poby on YouTube here:
But he will certainly have the chance to prove himself in the second team.
However, the T1 Academy team is currently at the bottom of the Challenger League. Currently, the 21-year-old Lee “Nice” Chan-hyeok is set as the midlaner. Poby might be able to displace him in the coming months.
In China, meanwhile, Uzi is impressing, who actually ended his career in 2019: LoL: Team brings in a retired pro in need – But the old man (26) can still do it
