The biggest surprise was definitely the lack of Japanese players advancing through the Last Chance Qualifier.
☆ NintendObs Event – Pokémon World Championships 2016.
The Pokkén Tournament Last Chance Qualifier Is Over
Find out which players impressed during Friday’s Pokkén Tournament matches.
August 20, 2016
The pressure was on for competitors during the first day of Pokkén Tournament competition at the Pokémon World Championships. With the Pokkén Tournament World Championships set for Saturday, players who had yet to earn an invitation for the main event made the trip to San Francisco in hopes of joining the field through the Last Chance Qualifier. The task ahead of competitors was simple, yet challenging–win your pool to make it into the main event. Accomplishing this lofty goal proved challenging even for the most experienced players.
Even with some of the most established players spread across multiple groups, there was no telling which players might upset their pools. The competitive Pokkén Tournament scene is a tricky thing due to its youth, so it’s constantly changing. Player rankings have become more defined throughout the Pokkén Tournament Championship Series, but there’s still no telling what tricks players will have up their sleeves.
There were very few surprises during the opening rounds. Well-known players like Austin “Angbad” Stanton, a Southern California regular whose Chandelure strategy perfectly highlights the Pokémon’s excellent zoning abilities, and Jonathan “Milln” Conaway, who traveled from Tennessee to show off his devastating Lucario pressure, weaved their way through the pools gracefully.
But these qualifiers also gave us the opportunity to witness the variety of talent on display at the Pokémon World Championships. Albert “Cidfox” Maldonado made his presence known on the back of Braixen, using the Fox Pokémon’s potent projectile game to shut down strong players from both Japan and Mexico. Gabriele “terry00” Spagnolo, visiting all the way from Italy, went the distance against his final opponent thanks to Mewtwo’s wide assortment of tools.
The biggest surprise was definitely the lack of Japanese players advancing through the Last Chance Qualifier. Despite strong showings throughout the year, only one competitor from the land of the rising sun, Tsubasa “Cross” Igarashi, was able to earn a spot in the finals. Cross’ superb ability to read his opponents gave him a number of Critical Hit opportunities, resulting in quick, efficient rounds against all who stood against him. Keep an eye on Cross on Saturday after his excellent play in the Last Chance Qualifier.
Day one of Pokkén Tournament competition at the Pokémon World Championships was full of excitement. The main event awaits today, and this teaser was just enough for both spectators and players awaiting their time to shine on the finals stage. Will one of these last chance qualifiers go the distance against the competitors who were given an extra day of rest? You’ll have to tune in to Pokemon.com/Live find out!
— Pokémon News
Source: Pokémon.
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