Aurora, ONIC PH kick off MPL Philippines Season 15 with dominant sweeps
Photos from MPL Philippines / Richard Esguerra
Aurora, ONIC PH kick off MPL Philippines Season 15 with dominant sweeps
MAKATI CITY – Aurora Gaming and ONIC Philippines wasted no time asserting their dominance in MPL Philippines Season 15, securing convincing 2-0 sweeps in their opening matches at the Green Sun Hotel on Friday.
Last season’s finalists made strong statements early, with Aurora overpowering newcomers Twisted Minds, while ONIC PH crushed TNC Pro Team in a clinical display.
Northern Lights shine bright in season opener
Aurora Gaming drew first blood in Season 15, outlasting Twisted Minds in Game 1 after a grueling 19-minute showdown.
Jan Dominic “Domengkite” del Mundo’s Granger led the charge with seven kills and four assists, while Kenneth Carl “Yue” Tadeo’s Vexana played a pivotal role, finishing with a 3/2/12 KDA.
Twisted Minds attempted a surprise move, slotting Stephen Jasper “Sensui” Castillo into the roamer role. However, the strategy backfired, as his Hylos struggled with seven deaths and only six assists.
Aurora wasted no time closing out the series in Game 2, as Jonard Cedrix “Demonkite” Caranto’s Suyou secured four kills and two assists to seal the deal. Renejay “Renejay” Barcarse also played a key role, dishing out six assists on Hylos.
It was a rough debut for Salic “Hadjizy” Imam and James “Jeymz” Gloria, who combined for just two assists and six total deaths. Michael “MP The King” Endino had a minor highlight with two kills on Hanzo, but it wasn’t enough to keep Twisted Minds in the game.
Silk sonic ONIC PH rolls past TNC
Defending champions ONIC PH kicked off their title defense in style, outlasting TNC Pro Team in an 18-minute slugfest in Game 1.
Grant Duane “Kelra” Pillas put on a masterclass with Granger, racking up 11 kills and two assists to lead the charge.
TNC nearly staged a turnaround, with Salvick “Kouzen” Tolarba’s Moskov eliminating Kelra near the Phoenix base. However, their positioning backfired, allowing ONIC to punish them with three takedowns before securing the win.
Game 2, however, was a different story, as TNC looked unstoppable for most of the match.
Justine “Zaida” Palma’s Alpha played a crucial role with three kills and two assists, while Tristan “Yawi” Cabrera’s Mathilda assisted all seven of TNC’s takedowns.
But ONIC PH turned the tides at the 21-minute mark. Jhon Marl “Lord JM” Sebastian’s Barats attempted a Flicker-Detona’s Welcome combo, but fell short against three ONIC members.
Sensing an opening, King Cyric “K1NGKONG” Perez and Jann Kirk “Kirk” Gutierrez secured the Lord, forcing TNC into a disastrous team fight.
With the Phoenix wiped out in just 30 seconds, ONIC PH ended the series in dominant fashion, sealing their first win of Season 15.
Marquee matchups await this Saturday
ONIC PH and Aurora will face off in the final match of Saturday’s festivities, with the Northern Lights seeking to avenge their Season 14 Grand Finals loss.
Meanwhile, Team Liquid PH will take on Team Falcons PH to open Day 2, followed by TNC’s matchup against a revamped AP.Bren.
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