Smart Omega finally entered the win column after dominating TNC Pro Team in their first meeting of MPL Philippines Season 17 on Saturday.
The Barangay swept the Phoenix Army, with jungler Dean “Raizen” Sumagui leading the charge and earning match MVP honors. He tallied three kills and three assists in a dominant 15-minute Game 1 win on Leomord. Meanwhile, rookie midlaner Carl Edriel “Minguin” Gallantes impressed on Valentina, posting a flawless 6/0/6 in a 14-4 victory.
It was a tough outing for Frediemar “3Mar” Serafico, whose Phoveus fell five times while contributing just three assists.
Game 2 proved to be a much closer affair, stretching to 31 minutes as TNC fought back valiantly. Justin “Zaida” Palma led the charge on his signature Fanny, finishing with a 7/3/3 line while topping the gold charts.
However, a crucial late-game misplay turned the tide. Zaida’s attempt to dive Omega’s backline backfired as he was collapsed on by all five members. With Raizen securing the Lord, Omega capitalized, winning the extended teamfight and taking down both Zaida and Joshua “Ch4knu” Mangilog.
From there, Omega marched straight to the base to seal the sweep. Kenneth “Netskie” Barro earned Game 2 MVP honors with a 4/2/4 performance on Brody, while Raizen added one kill and eight assists.
Elsewhere, Team Liquid PH staged a reverse sweep against rivals Team Falcons PH to kick off Saturday’s slate. Michael “Kyle” Sayson led the Falcons in Game 1 with a 2/1/14 performance on Baxia.
However, Team Liquid PH responded with back-to-back wins, powered by Karl Gabriel “KarlTzy” Nepomuceno’s 7/0/5 showing on Harley in Game 2 and Sanford “Sanford” Vinuya’s dominant 12/1/8 outing on Benedetta in Game 3.
Newly promoted gold laner Dave “Teddy” Viaña also impressed in his MPL debut, averaging 4.3 kills, 1.0 deaths, and 4.3 assists across the series.
Aurora Gaming, meanwhile, made quick work of Twisted Minds, closing out the series in a combined 32 minutes.
Kenneth “Yue” Tadeo led the M7 World Champions in Game 1 with a 5/2/6 performance on Zhuxin in a 13-8 win. Dylan “Light” Catipon also delivered a standout showing on Grock, recording three kills and 10 assists, highlighted by a game-deciding Tectonic Charge in the seventh minute that wiped out all five Twisted Minds members.
League-leading Team Liquid PH, now 3-0, will wrap up their Week 2 campaign against surprise contenders AP.Bren. Aurora Gaming, meanwhile, will look to finish strong against fellow title chasers Team Falcons PH.
