Ninetails get vengeance vs Xipto Esports to continue GCC 2025 bid

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Ninetails defeated Xipto Esports in a highly anticipated rematch and will advance in the VALORANT Game Changers Championship 2025.

Ninetails and Xipto Esports, both teams from the Pacific region, faced off in the lower bracket of the VALORANT Game Changers Championship 2025. While Xipto had previously performed well in the Pacific grand final, they couldn’t repeat that success against Ninetails. Ninetails won the match 2-1, keeping their run in the tournament alive and eliminating Xipto.

Xipto’s takeaways, practice troubles

Mary ‘capriciouS’ Sabado believes their team lost to NTZ because they hadn’t practiced enough. She admitted they didn’t play well in either this match or their previous one against KC, and didn’t feel they deserved to win. While they had previously won against Ninetails, she didn’t think that meant they should have won today. capriciouS explained that recent typhoons in the Philippines and difficulties with visa applications had disrupted their practice schedule.

Leanne Ti-in and her family were unable to attend practice for a week or two because flooding forced them to evacuate their home province. Even after returning, they still faced difficulties as their home had no electricity, so the team had to practice at a local internet cafe, she explained.

Despite the challenges, Xipto still had positive moments. “I’m proud that we continued to compete and give it our all, even when things were difficult,” said capriciouS. “We never quit, and that’s something to be proud of.”

Ninetails’ revenge realized

Losing to NOVA really made us think about what went wrong. As the coach, I felt like we hadn’t really gotten to showcase what we’re capable of. My main focus was on getting the team’s spirits up and making sure they believed in themselves. Honestly, tonight was all about showing everyone what Ninetails is all about, win or lose – we wanted the world to see our style of play.

Park “332” Min-ju believes their team lost the Pacific grand final to Xipto due to nerves, but found today’s match much easier, stating Xipto didn’t play particularly well.

Player 332 was a key factor in NTZ’s victory. She led the team with 53 kills over three matches, and was nearly tied for the fastest to get the first kill, with 9 – only second to graham’s 11.

332 shared that he enjoys an aggressive playstyle and finds watching Paper Rex (PRX) very encouraging. Seeing PRX succeed with aggression validates his own approach and gives him confidence that he’s doing things right. He essentially uses their success as proof that his style can work.

Xipto Esports GC vs Ninetails in GCC 2025

Xipto chose Pearl as the first map, and they started strong by winning the first pistol round and the following buy round. After also winning their bonus round, it seemed like they were going to easily win the map. But Ninetails quickly turned things around, winning an impressive twelve rounds in a row before Xipto could even reach four. This momentum continued, and Ninetails finished the map with a decisive 13-4 victory.

On Bind, Xipto took an early lead and built it up, even winning five rounds in a row. They started the second half ahead 7-5. Ninetails started to fight back just as Xipto seemed on the verge of winning, gradually reducing the lead. A strategic timeout called by Xipto allowed them to reach round point, stopped Ninetails’ momentum, and ultimately forced the match to a final, deciding map.

Ninetails narrowly secured their first bonus round on Split, giving them a comfortable lead for the rest of the first half. The Korean team then gained momentum, putting Xipto at a considerable disadvantage. Ninetails (NTZ) quickly won five rounds before Xipto could win even one. While Xipto managed to win three rounds, NTZ prevented any further gains and finished the half leading 9-3.

Xipto started strong by winning the first round after halftime, but Ninetails quickly turned things around with a cost-effective victory despite Xipto having spent more money. This put Ninetails in a commanding position, and they secured match point with another win. Facing intense pressure, especially with their home crowd cheering them on, Ninetails closed out the round and won the rematch of the Pacific finals.

Next up: MIBR GC

Ninetails will continue their journey in the VALORANT Game Changers Championship 2025 with a match against MIBR GC. While MIBR lost to the reigning champions, Shopify Rebellion Gold, and fell to the lower bracket, they remain a formidable team.

With Xipto’s elimination from GCC 2025, Ninetails is now the only remaining team from the Pacific region with a chance to win.

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2025-11-23 15:14