INSferno prevails: Virtus.pro sent packing by FlyQuest from IEM Melbourne

FlyQuest have gotten a win on the board at IEM Melbourne, eliminating Virtus.pro 2-0 in what was a lackluster performance from the 11th-ranked team.

The OCE squad capitalized on some disorganized teamwork displayed by VP’s CT-side in map one on Inferno, bouncing back from their 2-0 defeat yesterday to Vitality—almost all thanks to an out-of-this-world performance from Iulian “regali” Harjău.

The first half ended with FlyQuest leading 7-5, making the CT pistol round pivotal. The second half was back-and-forth, but The Boys secured the pistol and extended their lead to 8-5, setting themselves up to close out the map. 

VP’s young Awper Kaisar “ICY” Faiznurov had a heavy impact in the second half of Inferno, clutching multiple rounds for his team, though he wasn't immune to a few whiffed shots. FlyQuest ultimately clinched the match in regulation, winning the final two rounds by defuse to take it 13-11 in their map pick.

FlyQuest carried their momentum into Dust 2, executing a flawless CT side in the second half after the score was tied 6-6 at the break. VP looked flustered, constantly going for low percentage individual plays. The spotlight will be on the IGL and former major winner Denis “electroNic” Sharipov to refuel the team following their last-place exit in Melbourne. 

Regali continues to shine at his new home with FlyQuest after replacing four-time Counter-Strike Major attendee Alistair “aliStair” Johnston in December last year. The Romanian sniper dominated the server today, racking up 43 kills and posting a 1.63 rating in the series, continuing his strong start at the event. 

Declan “Vexite” Portelli also delivered a strong performance, reading the defense and contributing effectively as a play-maker for the team.

FlyQuest still needs to win two more best-of-three series to advance to the playoff stage. Tomorrow, they'll face the loser of the NaVi vs. Falcons match, currently live on the ESL CS A-stream.