After being drawn into one of the tougher groups again, SQL had their work cut out for them. This is a recap of their matches today.

SQL vs mTw

Playing mTw first, SQL quickly learned why they were the defending champs of 2008. As CT's mTw's solo pushes around the map disrupted any strats SQL tried to set up. The onslaught continued as mTw changed to T's, zigzagging around the map faking different areas of the map ending in a 21-9 win in favour of mTw.

Defending WCG champions mTw - image from HLTV.org

SQL vs Virtus.Pro

Next was Virtus.Pro from russia. SQL shot off to a good start as CT's securing 9 rounds, but the second half was the Nikita & LeX show seizing control of mid, and the match. If it hadn't been for hooch that single handedly won Virtus.Pro the opening pistol, momentum would have stayed with SQL. SQL did manage to remain optimistic and secured the last few rounds taking the scoreline to a respectable 13-17.

SQL vs Vatos Locos

In SQL's third match again Greece, everything looked on track to pick up a win and add some rounds to the board. First half ended 11-4 in favour of SQL, but after losing pistol again in the second half, SQL paid for it dearly allowing VatosLocos to equalise the score 11 all. It was then that SQL found their footing again finishing the match off 18-12, their first win in group play.

The chances of advancing was still possible coming into their last match. VatosLocos had scored an upset against the Russians meaning SQL, VL and VP were all tied with 1 win each.

SQL vs Power Gaming

As SQL started CT side train against Finland's PowerGaming, an impressive show was put on by pupajon standing his ground with an awp by his side. The half ended 8-7 in favour of the Fins, but as T's, despite losing another pistol, SQL shot to match point. It was also at match point a game defining momen occured. SQL took the outside bombsite with ease on a semi-eco PG. After planting the bomb and taking out 4 PG members, the call was made that ruuit was inside brownhall saving. SQL began the hunt for ruuit inside, but in an unfortunate turn of events, ruuit ace'd putting PG good money situation, and even better morale. SQL tried to carry their momentum into the last four rounds but were outgunned tieing the match with PG.

Finland's PowerGaming - image from HLTV.org

With a tie against PowerGaming, it placed SQL in 3rd place above VatosLocos and Virtus.Pro. Although SQL fell short of making it out of groups, they showed to the world again Australia can go toe-to-toe with some of the world's best teams.

	Teamname G W L T RW/RL  P
mTw 4 4 0 0 84/36 12 Power Gaming 4 2 1 1 66/54 7 Sequential 4 1 2 1 55/65 4 Virtus.Pro 4 1 3 0 53/67 3 Vatos Locos 4 1 3 0 42/78 3

Better luck next time SQL! Have fun in Chengdu :)