After both of the elimination matches were played out extremely one-sided, we are entering into one of the most high-profile matches of the day. Both Liereyy and Viper are known for their year-long experience and taking every opportunity to come back. The winner of this match will be advancing to the semi-finals, essentially skipping one match and adding a big extra chunk of prize money.

Stonedrift

Viper opening up with a single dock 4 fishing ship greedy approach, Liereyy with double dock fireship. As Vikings and their longboats are extremely powerful on that map, Liereyy needs to keep Viper under control early on. Both players advanced to castle age around 5:30, pretty early for them. Liereyy managed to get rid of 1 early dock from Viper, who is still producing out of 2 other docks.

A transport ship from Liereyy wants to go with an aggressive church to prevent Viper from booming behind the water action. Viking longboats are coming in. However, Liereyy saved all of his naval work in docks and took control over. Viper is now pressured on water and has no access to gold.

GG! Viper calls the gg at 12:20, getting Liereyy the first map. 1-0.

Stonefront

Second most banned map in the event. Both players are trying some aggressive moves, trading 2 eco kills each. After walling up, both transition into castle age roughly at the same time. Viper finally manages to take the upper hand by killing a squad of crossbowmen of Liereyy.

Both players aim for a double town center skirmisher/mangonel approach. Liereyy shows some AMAZING micro against 2 mangonels. This opened up the door vor Viper as well by getting rid of the big clump of units. 2 mangonel shots later lead to an early GG by Viper. 2-0.

https://www.twitch.tv/t90official/clip/RefinedDifficultShieldPipeHype-KDkvA_TaIxsQVr-s

Rampart

This is the first time seeing the map in the main event. Liereyy decides to go into fully upgraded scouts for early aggression against Inca, as Viper tries for an early castle age at just 5:00! Liereyy manages to keep up the aggression and also moves towards castle age.

Every fight so far was within Vipers base, no way for him so far to push forward. Liereyy continues with constant raids of knights.

In one final fight, Liereyy fought with a bunch of knights against the eagle warriors. No chance for Viper and another early gg. 3-0 for Liereyy. He's in the semifinals!