DOTA 2 The International 11 playoffs recap: Day 1 sees the longest main stage TI match, Spirit crashing out, and more

sportskeeda.com:

The first day of the playoffs of this year's DOTA 2 The International 11 is over, and fans were treated to some excellent matches, one shock upset, and the longest main stage match in TI history. The high caliber DOTA 2 that teams showcased during their Group Stage matches has continued, and it is clear that fans around the world are in for a treat.

The Group Stage came to an end on October 18, with 16 out of 20 teams qualifying for the playoffs after four days of round robin best-of-two series. Each group's top four teams were slotted into the upper bracket, while the teams placed 5th-8th were given spots in the lower bracket.

The first day of the playoffs saw plenty of action, including four teams bowing out of the competition. Here's a look at the highlights of the day.

The results for today's matches are as follows:

Although Evil Geniuses had an excellent showing in the Group Stage where they topped their group, Thunder Awaken clipped their wings 2-0 in the first upper bracket match of the day. Pakazs and Darkmago shone for Thunder Awaken as they continued in the upper bracket and will play Team Secret on October 22.

Evil Geniuses fell to the lower bracket where they will need to defeat beastcoast to remain in The International 11. In the next upper bracket match, Team Secret easily saw PSG.LGD off in dominant fashion with a 2-0 score.

Fans were also treated to an excellent display of carry Dawnbreaker being played by Crystallis. While PSG.LGD fans ardently hope that this TI will finally be their year, the team will have to fight their way through the lower bracket to make it so.

The round one lower bracket matches were a best-of-one series, and that meant DOTA 2 players had no room to make any careless mistakes. beastcoast