100 Thieves benched starting AD carry Cody Sun for rookie Richard 'Rikara' Samuel Oh during their NA LCS semi-final series against Team Liquid. The decision forced Sun to watch the match from home, as the team did not bring him to the studio in case he was needed.
After an incredible debut split in the NA LCS, 100 Thieves have been unable to reach those same heights, with young ADC Sun having a particularly hard time. Despite his poor form, fans were shocked to see Sun dropped for the high-stakes semi-final tie.
The match presented a difficult challenge against Spring champions and league leaders Team Liquid. Liquid feature experienced player Yiliang 'Doublelift' Peng, who was voted the league's best ADC.
100 Thieves started brightly by winning the first game of the series. However, the difference in skill between the two teams was night and day after the opener. Doublelift was in typically good form, while support Kim 'Olleh' Joo-sung continuously landed his Thresh hooks.
Statement on benching decision
Rookie Rikara was thrown into a difficult situation against one of the best teams in the region and did not appear to be a stronger option for 100 Thieves. The benching was painful for Sun to watch from home, as he surely would have been able to add more to the team during fights.
The actual reason for benching Sun remains unknown. Sun released a statement to clear up his situation following the match.
"I have not sustained any injuries nor did I have a family emergency to attend to," Sun said. "The decision for Rikara to play in the TL series was strictly a decision made by the coaching staff of the team. I was instructed to watch the game from home and be ready in case I needed to be subbed in."