The two-man South African Protea gamer team have returned from representing the country at the 2011b International e-Sports Federation (IeSF) World Championship which took place in Andong, South Korea from 6 to 10 October 2011.
Ian Pillay was playing FIFA Online, and Robert Botha, winner in the local PolarFluke StarCraft II gaming league, played StarCraft II.
The first day of gaming began with the official introduction to the championship by the Chief Referee, Hyeong-Jin Oh, after which all the gamers took up their stations and began play.
StarCraft II
Botha was drawn against Portugal and Sweden in his StarCraft II group stage. After making short work of the Portuguese player, Botha moved on to play against Jeffrey “SjoW” Brusi of Sweden.
Although he was defeated by the soon to be World Champion, Botha still moved through to the ‘knock-out’ stages.
He progressed from the final 16 to the final eight, something no other South African has achieved thus far in an IeSF event.
Unfortunately Botha was to be defeated by Jen-Yu “Softball” Chan of Taiwan.
FIFA Online
Pillay found himself drawn against a tough group in the form of Rafael Riobo (Spain) and Ole Blohm (Germany).
He began with controller difficulties, but the Chief Referee, Hyeong-Jin Oh, stepped in and allowed him use of his own personal controller.
In a close first match, Pillay went down to Riobo 3 goals to 4, His next match was lost to Blohm, 1 goal to 2. Thus Pillay did not move through to the knockout stages.
Robert Botha and Ian Pillay
“Both players were a credit to the country, made a lot of new friends, and are single-mindedly determined to attend the 2012 IeSF World Championships,” said Colin Webster, president of Mind Sports South Africa, affiliate of the South African Confederation of Sport and Olympic Committee.
“The success of the team would not have been possible without all the help of all the volunteers (especially PolarFluke) that helped to make the expedition to Andong, South Korea, a success. Also without the continued support of both Megarom and Incredible Connection, the trip would have not had quite the flair that it was to have,” said Webster.
“The Protea shirts with StarCraft II embroidered on the back were not only a hit among the South African team, but became a much desired item among gamers from other countries. Such was the interest shown, that offers of up to €50.00 were received for a single shirt.”
“Both Rob and Ian found it to be a rewarding experience to meet gamers who they had only known previously by their ‘nicks’,” concluded Webster.
Protea gamers return from 2011b IeSF World Championship << Comments and views
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