Mo0N: Kazakh team trained Dust2 overnight to reach PGL semis

magic, the Kazakh squad, advanced to the PGL Astana semifinals after a comeback win over 9z in the quarterfinals at Almaty’s PGL arena. Abdurakhim “mo0N” Issa said the team prepared Dust2 overnight expecting 9z to choose that map. magic won Dust2, lost Mirage, and then recovered on Ancient to take the series.

The team entered the event as one of the lower-ranked sides on the VRS list. They earned their place in the main event by rallying from 0-2 to beat K27 3-2 in the Europe qualifier final. The quarterfinal victory put the young squad into the last four in front of their home crowd.

mo0N described the match preparation and the role of coaching. He credited teammate sFade8 and coach eksiver for game plans and opponent reads, noting they often worked through the night. He said their planning and targeted training were decisive for the Dust2 win and helped the team recover when Mirage went against them. He added that staff sometimes managed only brief rests before matches.

On stage, mo0N said the home setting reduced pressure for him personally. He explained he has played LAN events in Almaty since he was 12, often competing with friends and unable to practice online because of high ping. He said that LAN experience made arena play feel familiar and helped him perform under the lights.

Match specifics: magic anticipated 9z would pick Dust2 after previous lopsided Dust2 results. The overnight practice on Dust2 produced a decisive opening map win. 9z adjusted on Mirage and won that map, but Ancient proved closely matched and magic came back on the T side to secure the decider.

magic will meet the winner of FURIA versus Falcons in the semifinals. mo0N expressed a wish for a matchup against Kazakh player molodoy, saying he would welcome either result as it would let him keep playing at home.