Doublelift signs with Team Liquid: Last-place TL makes playoff push

Last-place Team Liquid has made a splash signing as the 2017 NA LCS Spring Split comes to a close, picking up former CLG and TSM AD Carry Yiliang “Doublelift” Peng. Co-owner Steve Arhancet announced the news in a surprise Facebook video Tuesday. The transaction has been approved by Riot League Operations, and Doublelift will be eligible to play for his new team this week.

Doublelift was most recently on a break from professional play after a successful year with Team SoloMid in 2016, and previously said he intended to return and fight for a spot on the roster in the Summer. But Team Liquid was able to lure him away from streaming and temporary retirement, bringing the former all-time NA LCS kills leader into a starting lineup that also features former world champion Gwang-jin “Piglet” Chae and former NA LCS MVP Yeu-jin “Reignover” Kim.

At 3-9 through six weeks of play, Team Liquid sits tied for last place in the NA LCS with Team Envy. It’s a disappointing result for a perennial playoff contender that recently received major outside investment. It’s also the second roster move in as many weeks: Piglet moved from AD Carry to mid lane, replacing struggling Greyson “Goldenglue” Gilmer and clearing the way for former mid lane substitute Young-bin Jung at AD Carry.

Young-bin struggled, too, and after just one week, Team Liquid has brought in one of the region’s all-time greats for a late push at the playoffs. But with three weeks to go in the regular season and four teams between TL and the coveted No. 6 playoff spot (currently occupied by 5-7 Immortals), the clock is ticking.

And what does Doublelift have to say about his transition?