Team Liquid Practices with Philip, Horder as Morgan’s Visa Remains Uncertain
As the start of the upcoming LCS season approaches, visa issues are causing significant disruptions for multiple teams. The season is set to officially kick off on January 24, 2025.
Team Liquid’s Visa Dilemma
Team Liquid is facing uncertainty with the arrival of South Korean top laner Park “Morgan” Ru-han. Morgan, who previously played in the LCK with BRION, is experiencing visa delays that could affect his participation in the season opener against Cloud9 this Saturday.
In light of this situation, Team Liquid is practicing with two alternative players: Philip “Philip” Zeng and Chris “Horder” Feng. Both players bring unique skill sets and experiences to the team.
Philip and Horder: The Alternatives
- Philip “Philip” Zeng: Previously played in the NACL and made his first LCS appearance with FlyQuest during the Summer 2022 split. He played alongside Brandon “Josedeodo” Villegas and although their split was modest, it provided him valuable experience.
- Chris “Horder” Feng: A newer addition to the scene, Horder began his professional career in March 2023, without any significant prior experience in the top tier. However, he has shown promise with a carry-oriented champion pool.
Champion Pool Insights
Both players have different styles and champion preferences. In Season 15, Horder excelled with champions like Jax and Jayce, while Philip’s performance centered around tank champions such as Sion and Rumble. Morgan primarily uses Ambessa, Rumble, and Renekton, which may lead Team Liquid to seek versatility from Philip and Horder.
Here’s a breakdown of their champion usage:
| Player | Most Played Champions | Total Games |
|---|---|---|
| Philip | Renekton, Sion, Rumble | 15 |
| Horder | Jax, Jayce, Ambessa | Varied |
Context of Visa Delays
The visa complications faced by Morgan and other players stem from lengthier processing times for immigration applications. In recent years, U.S. visa reviews have resulted in delayed responses, particularly affected by the cluster of public holidays around the beginning of the season.
Restricted availability of consular appointments and the subsequent delays in retrieving approved passports have compounded the issue for international players aiming to compete in the LCS.
As Team Liquid prepares for their season opener, the situation remains fluid, and fans are eagerly awaiting updates on Morgan’s visa status and potential involvement in the match.
