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Rocky won its first qualification match because it could stay in the fight longer than people expected. But in the second match, it lost because it turned too slowly. After that, the team understood that power, balance, and timing all had to work together.
Jian Sun redesigned the leg joints once again. Omar Patel updated the control software so Rocky could turn faster, and Aiko Tan improved the battery layout so power reached the motors more efficiently.
Every night, volunteers from the online group helped test the new version. Lin Wei studied the test results and chose which changes to keep, while Mara Chen organized the work so the team would not waste time on ideas they did not need.
Rocky then won its next qualification match. That victory gave the team a place in the main tournament bracket, and the rival champions now saw Rocky as a real threat.
The team also learned that the reigning champion machine was stronger in direct hits but weaker when it had to turn quickly. Lin Wei decided that Rocky would rely on speed and control instead of raw force, and the plan for the final rounds was set.