We haven’t focused on our Open9 league partner for quite some time. Team Fairus, as they’re known, were facing quite a few problems the last time we mentioned them. At the time, they had a 4-4 record and were in danger of missing out on the play-offs. Now that we know the results of their subsequent matches, their situation has improved significantly.
A dull start to a very good run
As is often the case in the lower ESEA leagues, teams can sometimes fall apart, which naturally results in walkovers. Team Fairus also came up against one such team, namely the international Snapdragons. Naturally, the match did not take place as the opposition had only three players in their line-up. Our partner certainly couldn’t complain, as this allowed them to easily add a fifth win to their record.
All-Polish clash – 
Team Fairus vs Orzely Debno
Our partner’s next match was against the Polish team Orzely Debno. Ancient was the map chosen for this clash, and our partner started on the defending side. The start wasn’t easy, but it was very fierce. They managed to win the pistol round, to which the opponents immediately responded with a round of their own. However, a force round won shortly afterwards gave our partner the lead, which they extended to 4:2. Orzely quickly drew level, but this didn’t last long and Fairus took a 7:5 lead by the end of the half.
In the second half, Orzely Debno got off to a very good start, not only winning the pistol round but also their opponents’ force round, taking an 8:7 lead. Despite this, Team Fairus had no intention of giving up and responded decisively. Initially with a draw, but this soon turned into a lead with four match rounds. As is usually the case, they failed to capitalise on the first one, but in the very next round they sealed the match with a 13:9 score, thereby further improving their record.
A bucket of cold water poured by the Poles
Team Fairus were not given much time to rest from playing the Poles. Just two days after their last clash, they faced their compatriots again, only this time on a different map: Dust 2. Unfortunately, this match was the complete opposite of the one mentioned above, as our partner was quite heavily dominated here. They managed to win only 6 rounds. Despite everything, the 6:5 scoreline still looked quite good and there was still a chance for them to make the playoffs.
First impressions of the new map – Team Fairus vs 
TacticalToaster
Overpass has recently been added to the tournament map pool. Some love this map, others hate it; for Team Fairus, their match against the international side TacticalToaster marked their debut on this battlefield. They started on the defending side and got off to a flying start. They managed to take a 2-0 lead, which they quickly extended to 3-1. However, their dominance didn’t end there; they managed to add another three rounds, taking a 6-1 lead. An attempt at a comeback emerged towards the end of the first half, but it wasn’t fully capitalised on, and our partner ended the first half leading 9-3.
It is worth remembering, however, that Overpass is a map that is much easier to play on the CT side, and even such a huge lead might not be enough to seal the match on the TT side. The pistol round, unfortunately, did not go our partner’s way, and as a result, the rivals closed the gap to 5-9. They didn’t stop there, as they pressed their advantage and even managed to reach the tie-break point at 8-9. Fortunately, our partner woke up in time and managed to get back to winning rounds. The opponents only responded once more, which didn’t really matter. Team Fairus won the match 13:9, and thanks to that, the next match could secure them a place in the playoffs.
ESEA Open9 playoff match!
In the playoff qualifier, our partner couldn’t have drawn anyone other than the Poles, this time under the name InHooxiWeTrust. This match might have seemed difficult in terms of the playoffs, but it was quite the opposite. Team Fairus crushed their rivals 13-3 and easily secured their place in the playoffs. However, they still have one more match left in the group stage, which will determine their seeding for the playoffs. They will certainly want to win it, but the playoffs will be the most important thing for them.
When does the regular season end?
- vs
_Zoo_, Wednesday 27 August, 8.30 pm
Team Fairus (Facebook, x.com, Instagram, team profile)
English 
Polish 