AVANGAR have announced that they have decided against attending the Games Clash Masters next week.

In a statement, the Kazakhstani side justified the decision with the physical and mental strain incurred on the players in the last weeks of competition.

AVANGAR came through all three stages of the StarLadder Major to the reach the grand final, in which they were defeated by Astralis in a one-sided affair. This week, the team overcame a poor start to win BLAST Pro Series Moscow after defeating fellow CIS side FORZE in the final.

Having played 29 official maps in the last three weeks of competition alone, AVANGAR, who reached their highest-ever position of sixth in the latest world rankings, feel that it is time to take a short break to be able to face their upcoming challenges with renewed energy and freshness.

"The preparation and participation in the two big LAN tournaments were not easy for us, both physically and psychologically," AVANGAR said.

"The team needs a little rest from LAN tournaments to restore strength because, for us, their health is our top priority. We sincerely apologize to the fans, participating teams and the organizer for not being able to take part in the tournament and hope for your understanding."

AVANGAR's withdrawal leaves one spot open in Group A, which also features Aristocracy, Sprout and DreamEaters. The organisers of the Games Clash Masters have told HLTV.org that they are hoping to announce a replacement for the BLAST Pro Series Moscow champions on Monday.

The groups for the $100,000 Polish event, which will take place from September 20-22, currently look as follows: