Meet China's Support King: PYL
Vici Gaming's star mid laner Wei "GODV" Lian (then known as We1less) was one of the most discussed prospects in the offseason before 2014 LPL Summer. While he could have landed on numerous teams -- including the most popular team in China, World Elite -- GODV publicly stated that he chose LGD because of their support player, Chen "Pyl" Bo.
When AD carry Gu "imp" Seung-bin left Korea following winning the 2014 World Championship with Samsung Galaxy White, he landed on LGD. Like GODV, imp took LGD's offer over others in order to play with Pyl.
The Kingmaker
[[{"fid":"16912","view_mode":"article_image","fields":{"format":"article_image","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":""},"tagName":"IMG","src":"http%3A//admin.prod.lolesports.com/s3/files/styles/article_image/public/pyl3.png%3Fitok%3DCLicn03-","type":"media","attributes":{"class":"media-element file-article-image","height":"315","width":"700"}}]]
Chen Bo the person is an unassuming young man who, until recent surgery, was recognized for his underbite and various pictures of his cats on LGD social media. This same young man is Pyl, a talent magnet with the ability to make mediocre laning partners into momentary stars, and stronger laning partners into the best.
An accomplished Chinese DotA2 organization, LGD's LoL team didn't see similar prosperity, or much success at all, until Pyl joined. Recognized as a promising support talent, Pyl quickly proved that he could bring the best out of his laning partners.
His first notable guinea pig was Qu "Styz" Zi-Liang.
Together Styz and Pyl became one of LPL's most terrifying duos in Spring 2014. Always quick to recognize opponents' mistakes, Pyl leapt into action and Styz dutifully responded. Styz dazzled the LPL with his Caitlyn and Ezreal, while Thresh became a must-ban for LGD's opponents due to Pyl's mechanical prowess and recognition of when to fight. Styz was heralded as the next big AD carry on the back of Pyl. Unfortunately, LGD faltered towards the end of LPL Spring as the meta shifted, and ended in 5th Place, out of Playoff contention. To make matters worse, Styz was also banned by L.ace for his unethical attempt to leave LGD under contract, requiring a new lab rat for Pyl.
Pyl and LGD started fresh with Li "XQ" Ying-Jie in 2014 LPL Summer. Once again LGD's bot lane was feared, with the Pyl and XQ pair mentioned in the same breath as EDG's Zhu "NaMei" Jia-Wen and Feng "FZZF" Zhuo-Jun or Star Horn Royal Club's infamous Jian "Uzi" Zi-Hao and his rising support star Yoon "Zero" Kyung-sup. Pyl reportedly kept a tight rein on XQ -- the joke arose that XQ was only allowed to play Lucian -- something which he has since denied. Regardless of method, there was no arguing with LGD's in-game results. XQ was a bit of an upgrade over Styz, and LGD squeezed into the Playoffs thanks to GODV's mid lane prowess, their formidable bot lane duo, and Pyl's intelligent shotcalling and game management.
A New Partner
[[{"fid":"16913","view_mode":"article_image","fields":{"format":"article_image","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":""},"tagName":"IMG","src":"http%3A//admin.prod.lolesports.com/s3/files/styles/article_image/public/PylandImp1.jpg%3Fitok%3DzQl5Revr","type":"media","attributes":{"class":"media-element file-article-image","height":"315","width":"700"}}]]
Following LGD's disappointing 2014 LPL Summer Playoffs and failure to qualify for the 2014 World Championship, LGD acquired the aforementioned imp as Pyl's new bot lane partner. Many worried that imp wouldn't fare well without the Samsung White support system of Cho "Mata" Se-hyeong and Choi "DanDy" In-kyu bailing him out from his more ambitious in-game endeavors.
Once more, it was up to Pyl to dictate the pace of his lane, a task that he took to immediately. LGD jumped out to an 8-2 start in 2015 LPL Spring thanks to their clever, decisive map movement, along with Pyl's keen sense on when to engage. Saddled with Zhu "TBQ" Yong-Quan, one of the weaker junglers in the LPL, Pyl's vision control was crucial to LGD's success. It removed pressure from TBQ, allowing him to farm more freely and move around the map.
Under Pyl's guidance, LGD made the most of their schedule, experimenting with compositions and champions when they could. Most notably, imp spammed Kalista until he mastered the champion, while LGD learned how to play around him.
This time, LGD made it to the LPL Finals against Edward Gaming. LGD's plan abused EDG's tendency to give up early objectives, namely Dragon, forcing their adversary into disadvantageous teamfights. One Baron away from taking the series, LGD faltered in Game 5, and EDG went on to represent China and win the Mid-Season Invitational.
Following their defeat, for the first time in years, LGD chose to stick with their same roster for the upcoming Summer Split. However, Pyl announced that he would take some time off at the start of the Summer season for corrective jaw surgery.
Hazy Crazy Days of Summer
[[{"fid":"16914","view_mode":"full","fields":{"format":"full","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":""},"tagName":"IMG","src":"http%3A//admin.prod.lolesports.com/s3/files/styles/full_width_scale/public/PYL2.jpg%3Fitok%3Dwi6mgfb9","type":"media","attributes":{"class":"media-element file-full","height":"315","width":"700"}}]]
In their first week without Pyl since 2012, LGD opened LPL Summer 2015 with a 1-3 record. They didn't fight, they didn't rotate correctly to take objectives, and the only thing they seemed to do well was lose slowly while their opponent bled them of resources. In an AMA before Pyl's return, imp responded by saying that he didn't want to play when someone asked him if he missed Pyl.
Fortunately for imp and LGD, Pyl came back ahead of schedule in Week 2 and the difference was palpable. In their first set against Unlimited Potential, LGD were already in their comfortable experimentation zone, choosing a risky composition with mid lane Varus, Vayne, and Bard. With Pyl's leadership, LGD looked infinitely more assured in this one game than they had the entirety of Week 1. While this win wasn't particularly impressive, LGD moved decisively, utilising Pyl's vision to capitalize on UP's mistakes.
Even in their losses, LGD is now coordinated and composed thanks to the return of their captain. Now tasked with leading the team again, Pyl looks to take LGD to their first World Championship.
{{summoner:2}} 
