Eight teams advance in MDL Philippines Season 5 play-ins after intense first round
Eight teams advance in MDL Philippines Season 5 play-ins after intense first round
MANILA — The hunt for the Mobile Legends Development League (MDL) Philippines Season 5 title heats up as eight teams advance to Round 2 of the play-ins following an action-packed first round this week.
Sixteen squads were matched based on their April seeding, with matches played in a best-of-three, single-elimination format. The play-ins continue to follow the global ban-pick rule, disallowing teams from picking the same hero more than once in a series.
Smart Omega NEOS, the top seed, continued their dominant run with a convincing sweep over 16th-seeded Gods of Edith. Dan “Dan” Yambao and John Kevin “Sica” Bitancur proved too much for the retooled GOE roster.
Martial Mayhem also bagged a 2-0 win, but had to grind through nearly 53 minutes to outlast Minerva Esports. Standout performances from “Mijizy” and “SINFUL” propelled the Iloilo-based squad through a gritty contest.
One of the biggest shocks of the day came from 13th-seeded Uncle Drew Gamerpact, who pulled off a 2-0 upset against Team Falcons Academy. Power duo “Leix” and “Teddyqt” rose to the occasion to send the Baby Falcons packing.
Fifth-seeded ONIC x Nine Lives kept their flawless campaign alive, easily dispatching Flair Esports in two games. Miguel “Sionnn” Alcantara and Alejandro Jhon “Kayn” Sombilon delivered MVP-worthy performances to continue ONL’s redemption arc.
RRQ Kaito, the Season 3 champions, showed no signs of slowing down with a strong showing against Metacore CE. Aldrin “Seiji” Damian led the Kingdom to a sweep over the Cebu-based squad.
In a grueling clash, Aurora Hunters survived a messy three-game series against Karibok Heroes. John Derick “Lalush” Ochate and Christier Yverson “Eskapo” Vivar delivered in clutch moments to push the Hunters forward.
AP.Bren x Rough World Era held their nerves against Twisted Rising, escaping with a tight 2-0 victory. Ervin “Vinnn” Franco and Ron Matthew “MATT” Papag made sure there were no upsets on their watch.
But the biggest shocker of the round came from TNC x Voltes PH, who stunned second-seeded Team Liquid Academy, a top-four squad in the IESF Sibol qualifiers. Rising star “FranZzz” proved instrumental in TNCV’s massive upset win.
With the dust settled, the second round matchups are set:
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Smart Omega NEOS vs. Martial Mayhem
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Uncle Drew Gamerpact vs. ONIC x Nine Lives
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RRQ Kaito vs. AP.Bren x Rough World Era
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Aurora Hunters vs. TNC x Voltes PH
The winners of these Round 2 showdowns will secure their ticket to the MDL Philippines Season 5 Playoffs this May.
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