Smart Omega, Team Falcons PH shine in MPL PH Season 16 opener

Smart Omega, Team Falcons PH shine in MPL PH Season 16 opener

MAKATI – Smart Omega and Team Falcons PH open their MPL Philippines Season 16 campaigns with convincing wins at the Green Sun Hotel, setting an early tone in the league’s return.

The Barangay edged TNC Pro Team, 2-1, while the Green Falcons secured a clean 2-0 sweep over Aurora Gaming.

Raizen, Jeymz lead Barangay past TNC

Smart Omega opened their day in style, dismantling TNC Pro Team 13-4 in just 11 minutes. Dean Christian “Raizen” Sumagui stole the spotlight with seven kills and five assists on his Fanny, while Salic “Hadji” Imam’s Pharsa added two kills and seven assists to claim MVP honors.

TNC, however, bounced back in Game 2. Lance “LanceCy” Cunanan took charge with a 5/1/8 performance on Kimmy, steering his squad to all major objectives and a 13-minute equalizer. Frediemar “.3Mar” Serafico also anchored the Phoenix with a flawless 4/0/7 on Hilda.

But momentum slipped away in the decider. Smart Omega quickly regrouped, closing out the series in under 11 minutes, 8-2. James “Jeymz” Gloria redeemed his earlier struggles with a 2/0/4 Phoveus outing, while Kenneth “Netskie” Barro added two kills and an assist on Harith.

Benedict “Bennyqt” Gonzales and Joshue “Ch4knu” Mangilog struggled to make an impact for TNC, leaving Omega to claim their first win of the season. They will next face AP.Bren on Saturday, while TNC tests their mettle against defending champions Team Liquid PH on Sunday.

Ferdz makes winning debut for Falcons

Edferdz “Ferdz” Fernandez’s long-awaited MPL debut sparked Team Falcons PH to a 2-0 victory over Aurora Gaming. Taking the EXP Lane reins from veteran David “FlapTzy” Canon, Ferdz showed flashes of his MDL MVP pedigree.

The rookie endured a shaky first outing on Cici, tallying four deaths but still contributing to 12 kills in a scrappy 24-minute opener. Marco “SuperMarco” Requitiano steadied the Falcons with three kills and five assists on Moskov, while Kyle “KyleTzy” Sayson’s Joy shredded Aurora’s sustain-heavy draft.

Game 2 belonged to Ferdz. Back on Cici, he delivered four kills and five assists as Falcons dismantled Aurora in 14 minutes, denying them any major objectives. Dylan “Light” Catipon’s Kalea faltered with just two assists and four deaths, while Kenneth “Yue” Tadeo’s efficient 2/0/2 Selena could not turn the tide.

Team Falcons PH will test their new-look roster further against Twisted Minds PH on Saturday, while Aurora Gaming braces for a daunting Week 2 schedule against Team Liquid PH and ONIC Philippines.

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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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