Thijs’ winning streak ends as Cifka takes StarLadder title

Thijs “ThijsNL” Molendijk appeared to be in the form of his life ahead of the Hearthstone World Championship. But it was Stanislav Cifka who emerged victorious in the StarLadder finals.

Molendijk, who recently became the first Hearthstone European Champion and is riding a wave of momentum into the World Championship, had a strong run through the tournament. His only loss before the final came in a close five game series against Jon “Orange” Westberg—a loss he avenged in the winner’s bracket final 3-0. Westberg was a late replacement for Sebastian “Ostkaka” Engwall, who withdrew for unknown reasons.

Stanislav Cifka who took the $6000 first prize, however, defeating Molendijk in the final 4-1 and handing him only his third loss in 20 competitive matches.

Cifka favoured a heavy control style in the tournament, with Freeze Mage, Handlock, Control Warrior and Fast Druid in his lineup. His Control Warrior performed particularly well, giving hope for the class’ survival once the nerf to Patron Warrior goes live some time this week.

Despite the loss in the final, Molendijk’s strong performance helps him build momentum ahead of the World Championship in just nine days.

Image via StarLadder Hearthstone/Facebook

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