Shnurov_hl (Academy) lost to Oxygen_hl (Necropolis) — Quiet World (Expert, 8 min), 212

There isn't much to say.
When drafting, Oxygen gave me a choice between Plains and the relatively unknown Quiet World.
My chance was in the element of surprise, so I ruled out the familiar Plains. Oxygen was incredibly surprised. I was also surprised by my own audacity. :-D

I quickly looked at the map in the editor. The draft went as it went. My preference was to eliminate Nature and Chaos.
My opponent didn't play as Barbarians.
As usual, there were some clumsy moves at the beginning. For some reason, I didn't restart the starting lord. I developed him into a Sorcerer (Order). As a result, by the endgame, he became a Grand Sorcerer (!!!!) of Charm, and only a Master of Magic.
For some reason, I went for Undead. Although the Order + Life combination, along with a map with open spells in the tower, would have been much better.
Also, regarding the development.
The Runner didn't become a Grand Runner by the fifth week.
I tried to develop a Life Mage. He ended up becoming either an Expert or a Master of Resurrection....

In general, the development was rough. :-D

Despite all this, in my opinion, I wasn't weaker than my opponent in terms of army.
But the significant difference in class made itself felt, especially during the endgame. I've lost absolutely winnable games more than once or twice in the final battle.

I don't want to make excuses, but how can I not say that in 2 Order castles and 1 Life castle, there wasn't a single Dispel spell (there were Charm spells, but the stolen Immortal didn't give anything special). I probably shouldn't mention that there wasn't a Cancel Charm spell either? ;) Also, there wasn't a Death Grip spell. Which would have been decisive against 8 Devils.
But there's no point in blaming the mirror if your face is wider than your shoulders.
Dima was stronger and deservedly won.

Thank you for the game.
Congratulations on winning the tournament.