KUALA LUMPUR: Selangor Red Giants’ (SRG) smooth run at the M7 World Championships is a reflection of how far the Malaysian side have progressed since last year, with head coach Michael Angelo Bocado, better known as Arcadia, pointing to improved mentality and preparation as key factors behind their confident showing.
SRG underlined that growth today by defeating Team Spirit 2-0 in the first round of the knockout stage at the MPL Arena’s, XO Hall, in Jakarta.
The win extended their head-to-head record against the Russian outfit, representing the Eastern Europe and Central Asia region, to 3-0.
The victory capped another composed outing for SRG, who had earlier cruised through the Swiss Stage with three straight wins to seal early qualification for the knockout rounds.
Arcadia said the team’s calmness this time around was shaped by lessons learned from their demanding M6 campaign in Kuala Lumpur two years ago.
“So far, we feel better compared to M6 because we really talked about how hard it was and how we were basically fighting for our lives during the Swiss Stage,” said Arcadia in a post-match interview.
He added that SRG had deliberately focused on avoiding early turbulence in order to peak later in the tournament.
“This is what we worked for, to have a smoother Swiss Stage and reach the knockout stage where we can perform at our best,” he said.
SRG’s growing comfort at the highest level was also evident in their approach to yet another meeting with Team Spirit.
Haqqullah Ahamad Shahrul Zaman, better known as Sekys, admitted the draw felt more familiar than intimidating.
“Our reaction was like, ‘here we go again’, but it was exciting to meet them again,” said Sekys.
Teammate John Vincent Banal, better known as Innocent, downplayed the significance of the matchup, stressing that the team remained focused on execution rather than opponents.
“For us, it was just normal because it’s a draw and we don’t know what’s going to happen,” said Innocent.
Arcadia added that belief and clarity remain central to SRG’s approach as the tournament intensifies.
“We just make sure we understand our opponents and play to our strengths, because once the mentality is in the right zone, I know this team can be the best,” he said.
SRG will next face Turkiye’s Aurora Gaming in the upper bracket semi-finals on Jan 21, carrying momentum and growing belief that their M7 campaign could surpass their third place finish at M6.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
