OGN Playoff Preview – Samsung Galaxy Ozone
Samsung Galaxy Ozone versus SKT T1 K is hands down the most anticipated match so far in this season of OGN. This will be the first time these two Korean legends have faced off since SKT swept Ozone in the Grand Finals of Champions Winter 2013-2014. Despite entering this season as the undisputed best team in the world, T1 K scraped their way past the group stages. Meanwhile, Ozone has demolished their group, not dropping a single game. Ozone’s current performance is almost reminiscent of T1 K’s perfect season. It wouldn’t be unreasonable to say whoever wins this match, could win the entire season.
Top Lane - Looper (8.14 KDA in 6 Games)
As Homme moved to the role of coach after the group stages of Champions Winter 2013-2014, Looper became a staple part of the starting line-up in the top lane. Looper had subbed in on Ozone before - most notably during the Season 3 World Championships. Considering Ozone’s dismal performance at the World Championship, he played well for his competitive debut. Like many other top laners around the world, he is sticking to the stale top-lane meta by choosing what works. For any competitive top laner, consistency is the most important factor, and Looper has always won, or gone even, in lane. But with 4-man pushes becoming more common in 4.5, Jax has inadvertently received a buff due to his passive making him able to take down towers quickly. If the time calls for Looper to play Jax, he will need to be ready, or risk losing an early game advantage.
Jungle - DanDy (6.40 KDA in 6 Games)
As one of the two original members of MVP Ozone, DanDy has created quite the name for himself. He’s picked up the nickname “King of Thieves” for his repeated abillity to steal Baron or Dragon right out of the enemy’s hand. Not only that, but he is also a master of counter-jungling. DanDy can often utilize his superior game knowledge in order to start off the game with three buffs. From there, he completely neutralizes any threat for an opposing jungler by securing vision in the enemy jungle and waiting to counter gank. DanDy is, and always has been, a playmaker for Ozone as well as a brilliant mind in terms of strategy. With the resurgence of Xin Zhao, Master Yi and Nocturne in patch 4.5, it will be even more important for DanDy to shut down the opposing jungler as fast as possible.
Mid - PawN (12.29 KDA in 6 Games)
The addition of PawN has been the most important roster change to Ozone in recent history. Dade simply didn’t fit the teams style of play, and his extreme inconsistency often lead to the team's downfall. Since joining Ozone, PawN has accrued the highest KDA of any mid-laner in Champions. His Nidalee play is simply unmatched, boasting a score of 19/5/39 over four games. Compared to dade, his more conservative play allows everyone on Ozone thrive in the way they want to play the game. This may end up being especially important in this match, as Faker obliterated Dade last time Ozone met T1 K. With a fighting chance in the mid lane, Ozone’s chances of taking this match increase significantly.
AD - imp (5.56 KDA in 6 Games)
The other original member of Ozone, imp, has been one of the strongest AD’s in Korea since joining the competitive scene. His aggressive play style allows him to gain an early advantage and carry it throughout the game. But he doesn't stop making plays after the early game. Imp’s stellar positioning and ability to make the correct decision in an instant allow him to be a defining factor in mid-game teamfights. As Jinx and Vayne become more prominent in patch 4.5, he will be able to show why he has the nickname ”doubleimp.” He’s also shown a stellar performance with Jinx, racking up a score of 14/1/7 versus Midas FIO.
Support Mata (8.00 KDA in 6 Games)
“If madlife is God then Mata is Buddha” has never been more true. In fact, it’s safe to say that Mata is the best support in the world. The number’s don’t lie, Mata has the highest KDA of any support in Champions. As the leader of Ozone, Mata is a brilliant shot-caller which is apparent in the team’s crisp rotations. In the lane, it’s clear that Mata’s aggressive playstyle fits imp perfectly. His Leona or Thresh can almost guarantee that Ozone will come out of a 2v2 ahead, or he can play Karma and exert strong objective control with the team at his side. Mata definitely has the upper hand over PoohManDu, who is slowly making his return back to the competitive scene after an extended absence.
This match will be the pinnacle of raw skill and overall team coordination. For the first time in what seems like forever, SKT T1 K is vulnerable. Samsung Galaxy Ozone could be considered the best team in the world if this match goes their way. This is a true clash of titans and a match nobody wants to miss.
Image Credits: OnGameNet,Team Acer, Riot Games
