tao have canceled their Intel Challenge Super Cup 8 participation as a vital sponsor disconintues his support.

The Russian side made it through the tournament's two group stages and were seemingly ready for the finals this weekend.

However, after learning that the team's sponsor had decided to discontinue his support yesterday, the squad has now canceled their involvement in the tournament.

"During the tournament, we had a sponsor that promised us that we would go to ICSC 8 finals. Also, he supported tao during this tournament and some previous Russian tourneys," Boris "watti" Litvyakov said.

"After the 2nd group stage, he confirmed our journey, so everybody was sure that we would go to Kiev. But suddenly, Tuesday night, he told us that he won't help us. We regret it has to be like this, and we wish to apologize to the ICSC 8 organizers."

They were originally drawn into Group A along with SK Gaming, Frag eXecutors and KerchNET, but now join the massive list of teams who have dropped out of the tournament.

Contacted by HLTV.org, Intel Challenge Super Cup 8 organizers stated they will evaluate the situation with tao's exit sometime during the day.