TNC, Liquid PH escape upset as Twisted Minds, Omega remain winless in Week 2
Photos from MPL Philippines / the Richard Esguerra
TNC, Liquid PH escape upset as Twisted Minds, Omega remain winless in Week 2
MAKATI, Philippines – TNC Pro Team and Team Liquid PH secured hard-fought victories in their respective matches as MPL Philippines Season 15 wrapped up its second week at Green Sun Hotel.
The Phoenix Army overcame Twisted Minds’ surprising resilience, while Team Liquid PH battled through a grueling three-game series against Smart Omega, both emerging victorious in full Game 3 thrillers.
TNC Overcomes Early Stumble to Defeat Twisted Minds
The black-and-orange got off to a rough start in Game 1, as Twisted Minds PH claimed their first game win of the season in just 11 minutes. Jhonville “Outplayed” Villar’s Irithel led the charge with nine kills and seven assists, while Salic “Hadji” Imam’s Cecilion and Jomarie “Escalera” delos Santos’ Mathilda combined for 34 assists and three kills, setting the tone early for Twisted Minds.
However, TNC bounced back in Game 2, thanks to Justine “Zaida” Palma’s stellar performance on Nolan. The jungler dominated the match, racking up 11 kills and seven assists in a commanding 23-9 victory, punishing Escalera’s Chou, who fell seven times. Lance “LanceCy” Cunanan’s Pharsa also played a crucial role, posting a 5/1/9 stat line, while Michael “MPTheKing” Endino’s Suyou struggled, going down six times.
In Game 3, Kouzen stepped up for TNC, delivering 10 kills and five assists in a 16-minute victory to close the series. Outplayed’s Irithel continued to shine for Twisted Minds with seven kills, but the team struggled as Escalera’s Chou and James “Jeymz” Gloria’s Gatotkaca combined for nine of Twisted Minds’ 17 total deaths, sealing their defeat.
KarlTzy, Oheb Lead Liquid PH Past Smart Omega
The duo of Karl Gabriel “KarlTzy” Nepomuceno and Kiel “Oheb” Soriano once again proved pivotal, guiding Team Liquid PH to a tense 2-1 victory over Smart Omega.
Smart Omega made a surprising roster move, benching their veteran roamer Joshua “Ch4knu” Mangilog in favor of Czedrick “Super Yoshi” Romero, who made his season debut. However, Game 1 belonged to KarlTzy, as his Suyou dominated the battlefield, contributing to 19 kills in a 16-minute win for Liquid PH.
In Game 2, Smart Omega fought back, dragging the match to almost 31 minutes to force a Game 3. Jayson “UK1R” Alupit’s Luo Yi stepped up with two kills and 17 assists, but it was Omega’s last-minute Diversion play that turned the tide, catching Liquid PH off guard and securing the equalizer.
However, Liquid PH rebounded in Game 3, delivering a 17-minute knockout blow behind Oheb’s stellar Harith performance (9/2/7 stat line). Andrew “Andoryuuu” Flora’s Suyou played a solid early game, securing all three turtles, but was ultimately outclassed in the late game by KarlTzy’s Hayabusa, allowing Liquid PH to close out the series.
Week 3: High-Stakes Matches Ahead
As MPL Philippines Season 15 heads into Week 3, teams face crucial matchups that could define their playoff chances.
TNC Pro Team will look to climb higher in the standings when they face Team Falcons PH and Aurora. Winless Twisted Minds PH meanwhile aims to build on their Game 2 momentum, as they take on fellow struggling teams, AP.Bren and Omega.
Smart Omega, still searching for their first series win, will hope to break their slump against Twisted Minds PH and Aurora. On the other hand, Team Liquid PH, with only one match next week, will face a struggling ONIC Philippines side in what could be a decisive showdown.
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