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EDward Gaming exposed DAN Gaming in a 2-0 thrashing on Friday to close out Week 9, Day 2 of the League of Legends Pro League in Shanghai.
If one thing was certain for EDward Gaming (9-3, 19-6 match record) during Game 1, it's that EDG jungler Ming "Clearlove7" Kai's pocket Evelyn might not be meta, but is still a massive threat throughout the game. It's true that EDG didn't play exceptionally well against DAN Gaming (4-9, 13-18 match record), but EDG could do no wrong as it flattened any engages, and turned a great early game from Clearlove7 into a solid mid-game lead. Sure, EDG played sloppily in the later stages of Game 1, but EDG still looked like the strongest team in the LPL despite the silliness.
It was more than just an Evelyn pick that gave EDG control of Game 1, though, as DAN's predictable, formulaic approach to games cost it in the long run. DAN is known for, amongst other things, early Baron attempts, randomly committing everything to risky objectives, and being mediocre in its mechanics despite a strong start to the Summer Split. Much Game 1, EDG held firm into Game 2 vs DAN Gaming. If one wanted to see proof that EDG is a cut above middle-of-the-pack or bottom-tier teams in the LPL, this 2-0 stomp should more than suffice. It was, in the end, rude of EDG to play with its food, but the team eventually closed out Friday's action at the top of the LPL.
Coming into the final stretch of the regular season, a win like this puts EDG in prime position to lock up first place in Group A, while DAN Gaming struggles to retain the final playoff spot with Snake Esports (4-9, 11-22 match record) and I May (4-10, 11-22 match record) nipping at its heels.
DAN Gaming next takes to the Rift at 2 a.m. ET on Sunday to take on Team WE. EDward Gaming will play at 8 a.m. ET that day against Snake Esports.