fnatic, SK pass first IEM5 WC test

fnatic and SK Gaming have registered victories in their first IEM5 match after beating Lions and redCode, respectively.

In an all-Swedish showdown, fnatic eased past Lions 16-5 on de_nuke. Having started out on the defensive side, fnatic shut down the bombsites really well, winning the first half 12-3, with some good individual work by Richard "Xizt" Landström.

fnatic's tactics too good for Lions

In the second half, fnatic won the first three rounds to become just one round away from victory. Lions still attempted to respond, reducing the deficit by two, but then fnatic gave them no chance to secure their first points in the competition.

IEM5 World ChampionshipBest of 0 fnaticMatchpage 16 5 1st March 2011 Lions 16Nuke 5

redCode's debut for the Spanish organisation did not go as planned, as the South Korean team were soundly beaten 16-6 on de_inferno. After a good start by the Swedes, redCode managed to get into the game, setting the score at 4-3, but then the rest of the first half practically went to SK, who were up 10-5 at the break.

SK in convincing first match

Now playing as CT, SK's defensive setup was a wall for redCode, who picked up just up round in the second half as they were left disappointed from their first match.

IEM5 World ChampionshipBest of 0 SK GamingMatchpage 16 6 1st March 2011 redCode 16Inferno 6

The second round of matches is scheduled to start at 11:10, with no indication of whether there will be HLTV service for these matches.