Team Liquid PH and Aurora Gaming PH opened the second half of the MPL Philippines Season 18 regular season with wins Saturday, although the two contenders took very different paths to victory.
The Cavalry survived a spirited TNC Pro Team comeback attempt in three games, while Aurora Gaming PH swept Smart Omega 2-0 to climb level with the Barangay in the standings.
TLPH survive TNC comeback
Team Liquid PH drew first blood with a 9-5 Game 1 victory, led by Sanford “Sanford” Vinuya’s steady performance on Uranus.
The EXP laner finished with a 1/1/6 KDA while soaking up pressure for the Cavalry, with Jaypee “Jaypee” dela Cruz adding two kills and seven assists on Mathilda.
TNC refused to fold after the opening loss.
The Phoenixes overturned an early TLPH advantage in Game 2 and forced the series into a decider, with rookie midlaner Ervin “Vinnn” Franco taking MVP honors on Selena after posting a 4/2/7 KDA.
Jomari “Jowm” Pingol also kept TNC in the fight with Bruno, finishing with six kills and five assists.
The Phoenix Army carried that momentum into Game 3, taking control of much of the opening 11 minutes.
TLPH, however, eventually found its answer through Karl Gabriel “KarlTzy” Nepomuceno, who repeatedly shut down Justin “Zaida” Palma and helped the Cavalry wrest control of the game.
TNC still refused to go quietly.
The Phoenixes secured a Lord and extended the game, but TLPH held firm when it mattered most. A crucial base defense saw the Cavalry eliminate three TNC players, opening the path for the counterattack.
Jaypee then used Conceal to disrupt TNC’s formation as the Cavalry marched into the base and ended the series.
KarlTzy earned Game 3 MVP honors with a 3/1/6 performance on Paquito.
The victory keeps TLPH alone at the top of the standings at 7-1, while TNC falls to 3-5.
Aurora sweep Omega
Aurora Gaming PH, meanwhile, wasted little time establishing control against Smart Omega.
The Northern Lights closed Game 1 in 14 minutes, with Nathanael “Nathzz” Estrologo anchoring the team on Barats. He finished 1/1/7 while absorbing the most damage and keeping Louis “Louis” Ariola under control.
Jan Dominic “Domengkite” del Mundo supplied the damage on Clint, finishing 5/1/2 and reaching a major career milestone in the process.
The five kills pushed Domengkite to 1,000 career kills in the MPL, making him the 14th player in league history to reach the mark.
Aurora carried the momentum into Game 2 and needed less than 14 minutes to complete the sweep.
This time, Dylan “Light” Catipon took center stage on Gatotkaca, putting together a 1/1/10 KDA as Aurora kept Omega from mounting a serious response.
The 2-0 victory moves Aurora to 4-4, tying Smart Omega’s match record. The Northern Lights, however, hold the tiebreaker advantage through their superior game differential.
