The BoBoKa-Xxs duo is no more as Team Aster opts for changes ahead of TI12 Regional Qualifiers.
Team Aster announces drastic changes to its roster, replacing long-time pos 4, Ye "BoBoKa" Zhibiao, with veteran captain and TI finalist, Hu "Kaka" Liangzhi. This roster shift occurred right after their elimination from the Bali Major, which knocked all hopes of a direct TI12 invite. It is also mentioned that BoBoKa is only "temporarily" leaving the team. Despite that, BoBoKa is currently looking for a team.
Team Aster's Dota 2 roster ahead of TI12 Regional Qualifiers:
- Du "Monet" Peng
- Sumail "SumaiL" Hassan
- Lin "Xxs" Jing
- Hu "Kaka" Liangzhi
- Yu "皮球" Yajun (formerly Siamese.C)
Team Aster takes in Kaka in a last-ditch effort
Image via Valve
The Bali Major is a crucial point for teams to attend TI12 as only a few slots are left. By Playoffs, the competition grew wilder as teams weren't only clashing for the tournament but also a TI12 invite.
Team Aster was one of the potential teams that only needed a little nudge up the DPC ranking. But they fell short in their series against beastcoast, who knocked them out of the tournament with a 2-1 score.
With this elimination, it also means that Team Aster will have to go through the Chinese Regional Qualifier this late August. And they'll have to do it with a new roster.
There are rumors that say BoBoKa was the one who opted to leave following an internal conflict. This was also mentioned by Xu "BurNIng" Zhilei himself, who is the owner of Team Aster.
Team Aster officially announced the roster change on Twitter:
"After internal discussions within the team and friendly negotiations with the players, Aster has decided to make the following adjustments for their upcoming DOTA2 competitions: [BoBoKa], Aster's former position 4 player, will temporarily leave the team. [Kaka] will join Aster as the new position 4 player."
Kaka last played for Xtreme Gaming. Although rumors have stated his departure from the team, it is only confirmed today. The 30-year-old player is decorated with notable achievements including a top 2 and top 4 finish at The Internationals.
End of an era
Image via ESL.
The biggest surprise of this announcement is BoBoKa's single departure without his long-time duo Xxs. Both these players have competed together since September 2015. That's eight years of continuous years together! BoBoKa and Xxs have played in four teams alongside each other, DK Scuderia, iG.Vitality, Invictus Gaming, and Team Aster.
They hold the highest record of the most experienced duo, beating N0tail and Fly's record. But the streak has now been broken ahead of TI12 Regional Qualifiers.
As for now, BoBoKa remains on the bench and might not compete in any TI qualifier. He has posted an LFT (looking for team) statement on his Weibo account.
Stay tuned to Esports.gg for more Dota 2 news and updates!