The past couple of days haven’t been the best for the roster of Paper Rex, but regardless of the unfortunate circumstances, they managed to prevail and secure themselves in the Top 4 yet again.

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PAPER REX JUST CAN’T CATCH A BREAK

Last night we found out that the majority of the Paper Rex roster tested positive for COVID. We were already aware that Jason “f0rsakeN” Susanto had contracted the virus, but we found out that over the next few days, more and more members of Singaporean-based organisation would be picked off by COVID. Starting with Paper Rex’s resident Malaysian, Khalish “d4v41“ Rusyaidee who tested positive a day after f0rsakeN. The following day their manager Joshua “JdFaker” Fok also tested positive followed by Paper Rex’s coach Alexandre “alecks“ Sallé two days after.

The PRX COVID-19 Daily Report ?

f0rsakeN @jasonsusantoo 13/7
d4v41 @prxd4v41 14/7
Team Manager @JdFaker 15/7
Coach @aleckzon 17/7

We've been testing twice daily, isolation, masks on at all times. Can't catch a break…?

Who's next? ? #WGAMING

Stay safe everyone! ??

— Paper Rex ?? (@pprxteam) July 17, 2022

To further rub salt in the wound, an hour after their initial announcement, it was announced that Wang “Jinggg” Jing Jie also tested positive, leaving only Aaron “mindfreak“ Leonhart and Benedict “Benkai“ Tan to play alone on stage.

PRX COVID UPDATE:

@Jingggxd has tested positive ?

All players are feeling fine with mild symptoms.

Currently, only @eggs_benkai and @aaronleonhart4 will be making their walkouts on stage. #VALORANTMasters pic.twitter.com/Ps8QyMiWo9

— Paper Rex ?? (@pprxteam) July 17, 2022

OVercoming obstacles

Ever since the acquisition of Emir “Alfajer” Ali Beder, Fnatic was yet to lose a game, until they met the Southeast Asian powerhouse that is Paper Rex. And regardless of the circumstance, the boys over at Paper Rex fought tooth and nail to take Fnatic’s Map 1 pick of Ascent in a nail-biting 13–11.

Fnatic was able to tie the game at 6–6 by the end of the first half. But Paper Rex was able to maintain momentum going into the second half, bringing the score to 12–9. Although they were able to bring the score close, mindfreak’s Astra put on a phenomenal performance to shut down the European side. He finished the first map with a 2.0 KD.

Map 2 would be Paper Rex’s pick of Bind. The PRX boys managed to secure a one-round advantage going into the half thanks to f0rsakeN’s 3k and were able to use that momentum to propel themselves into a position where they only needed two more rounds to win with the scoreline at 11–6. Fnatic would go on to win four rounds in a row but Paper Rex was able to reset and take the last two rounds they needed to close out the map.

YORU DIFF! @jasonsusantoo | #VALORANTMasters pic.twitter.com/Uwq2Kl4Ib0

— VALORANT Champions Tour ?? (@ValorantEsports) July 17, 2022

The biggest takeaway from this match is how reliant Fnatic is on their Finnish phenom, Nikita “Derke” Sirmitev. Right now, the rest of the team just isn’t able to pick up in matches like this. But this isn’t the end. Fnatic still has a great shot at making a loser’s bracket run if Derke can perform as he did against FunPlus Phoenix. Fnatic will go on to face the Chilean squad in Leviatán later today, 18 July at 11:00 PM (GMT+8).

Paper Rex on the other hand have secured yet another Top 4 placement at Masters this year, whether or not they can achieve a higher placings is up for debate as their next opponent is none other than the previous Masters Champions, OpTic Gaming. The GreenWall looks in good form as they are repeating their run from the last Masters. This match will determine who secures a spot in the Grand Final and will be played on 22 July at 11:00 PM (GMT+8).

For more VCT 2022 action, head over to our full schedule and live stream feature page.