MPL PH S16: TNC, Team Liquid PH take sweep; Twisted Minds PH stun ONIC PH

MPL PH S16: TNC, Team Liquid PH take sweep; Twisted Minds PH stun ONIC PH

MAKATI — MPL Philippines Season 16 delivered fireworks with three Week 3 Saturday matches inside the Green Sun Hotel.

TNC Pro Team extended their streak with a sweep over AP.Bren, Team Liquid PH dispatched Smart Omega 2-0, and Twisted Minds PH shocked ONIC Philippines with a thrilling 2-1 comeback.

Phoenix rise over AP.Bren

TNC Pro Team struck first with a commanding 12–6 Game 1 victory in 14 minutes. Frediemar “3Mar” Serafico’s Lapu-Lapu anchored the win with a 4/1/6 KDA, while AP.Bren struggled to find footing. Former Phoenix standout Jhon Marl “Lord JM” Sebastian fell four times on Arlott, and the Hive lost every major objective without securing a single turret.

TNC carried momentum into Game 2, dominating 19–4 in 15 minutes. 3Mar’s Arlott again earned MVP with a 3/1/13 performance, while Frederic Benedict “Bennyqt” Gonzales’s Harith stayed flawless with nine kills and three assists. AP.Bren rookie Jerry Ian “chovskrt” Nicol, filling in for Arvie “Aqua” Calderon, had limited impact on Kagura with only three kill contributions and four deaths.

AP.Bren look to bounce back against Team Falcons PH on Sunday, while TNC aim for a statement win against Aurora Gaming.

Team Liquid PH conquers Smart Omega

Team Liquid PH edged Smart Omega in a 25-minute Game 1 slugfest. Finals MVP Alston “Sanji” Pabico dictated the tempo with Pharsa, going 1/0/10. A decisive 20th-minute river clash where TLPH traded one for three gave them lord control, sealing the game.

Game 2 proved quicker as Sanji’s Selena shone with a 4/1/4 performance in a 16-minute finish. Kiel “Oheb” Soriano added another 4/4/0, while Karl “KarlTzy” Nepomuceno piloted the frontline. Omega’s Dean “Raizen” Sumagui struggled on Hayabusa, managing just six assists and three deaths as the Barangay failed to secure any major objectives, losing all but two turrets.

Smart Omega next clash with ONIC Philippines on Friday, while TLPH close their first-half campaign against Team Falcons PH.

Twisted Minds PH upset ONIC Philippines

Twisted Minds entered with a roster shuffle, as Stephen “Sensui” Castillo replaced the ill Michael “MPtheKing” Endino in the jungle. ONIC PH capitalized early, taking Game 1 in 14 minutes, 13–5. Borris “Brusko” Parro’s Kalea scored a 1/0/9 KDA while Duane “Kelra” Pillas’s Bruno controlled the gold lane matchup.

But Twisted Minds answered in Game 2 with an 11-minute stomp, 13–3. Lance “Lansu” Misa’s Cici fueled the tempo with two kills and 11 assists, while Miguel “Sionnn” Alcantara’s Kimmy contributed 4/0/8. ONIC faltered as Brusko and Jann Kirk “Kirk” Gutierrez’s Terizla combined for nine deaths, and Frince “SuperFrince” Ramirez’s Zhuxin failed to make an impact.

Game 3 turned into a 25-minute thriller. Sensui’s Akai secured the first three lords, showcasing his retribution mastery. Kelra then pulled off another highlight moment, stealing the fourth lord with Moskov’s Spear of Destruction to spark an ONIC surge.

However, a decisive late-game clash saw ONIC’s Kirk, Brusko, and King Cyric “K1NGKONG” Perez fall, allowing Twisted Minds to secure the final lord and the series.

Twisted Minds improve to 4–2 and will close their first-half campaign against TNC Pro Team next Saturday. ONIC, now shaken, prepare to face Smart Omega on Friday.

About Author

Drew Malihan

Drew sucks at FPS games but loves watching PUBG and VALORANT. He found his way into esports through MLBB and HOK, and will die on the hill that Football Manager and even Excel deserve to be esports titles—despite not being good at any of them.

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