9z reach IEM Cologne playoffs with 2-0 win over The MongolZ

9z beat The MongolZ 2–0 at the IEM Cologne Major in Germany, winning Inferno 13–8 and Overpass 13–8 to secure a place in the LANXESS Arena playoffs. The result moved a Stage 3 slot for the Singapore Major to the Americas region.

The team reached the playoffs after advancing from Stage 2. Their run in Cologne included wins over Vitality and PARIVISION before the series against The MongolZ, which was played on the opponent’s map pick.

On Inferno the first half ended 6-6. 9z won seven of nine rounds after the break, taking control on their T side to finish 13-8.

Overpass opened with an early ace by Franco “dgt” Garcia that helped 9z build a 5-1 lead. The MongolZ narrowed the gap at times, but managed only one round on their offense in the second half as 9z closed the map 13-8.

Individual statistics showed strong performances from 9z. Franco “dgt” Garcia led with 44 kills and a 44-21 kill-death line, a 109.2 average damage per round (ADR) and a 1.76 rating. Luciano “luchov” Herrera had 37 kills, a 99.7 ADR and a 1.34 rating. Matias “HUASOPEEK” Ibañez recorded 29 kills and a 1.16 rating. For The MongolZ, Ayush “mzinho” Batbold finished with 34 kills, an 86.5 ADR and a 1.27 rating. Other MongolZ players included Garidmagnai “bLitz” Byambasuren (21 kills, 75.0 ADR) and Anarbileg “cobrazera” Uuganbayar (27 kills, 68.6 ADR).

Maximiliano “max” Gonzalez reflected on the team’s pace of learning in a post-match broadcast, saying, “This team learns very fast, and that’s the important thing. My guys listen to me a lot, and that gives me a lot of confidence.”

With the victory, 9z will play in the next round at the LANXESS Arena. The MongolZ are eliminated from the Major.