The fight for an M7 World Championship slot intensifies as the MPL PH Season 16 Playoffs narrow down to its fiercest contenders. Team Liquid PH (TLPH) overcame a strong opener from TNC Pro Team before firing back with three straight wins to close out a dramatic 4-1 comeback, and secured their slot to Jakarta as the Philippines’ second representative in M7. They will face top-seeded Aurora Gaming PH for the championship title and the right to be hailed as MPL PH Season 16 kings.
TLPH’s rise this season has been nothing short of compelling. Under coach Rodel ‘Ar Sy’ Cruz, they entered Season 16 with a roster built for redemption and dominance. Key players include EXP-laner Sanford Vinuya, jungler Karl ‘KarlTzy’ Nepomuceno, mid-laner Alston ‘Sanji’ Pabico, gold-laner Kiel ‘Oheb’ Soriano, and roamer Jaypee ‘Jaypee’ Dela Cruz.
READ: Here’s what to expect at the MPL PH Season 16 Playoffs this October
TLPH opened Game 1 strongly against TNC. Jaypee’s Khaleed drew first blood on Chaknu’s Gatotkaca in just two minutes. KarlTzy followed up by securing the first Turtle, while Oheb’s Harith pulled ahead in gold againstFrederic Benerdict ‘BennyQT’ Gonzales.
Meanwhile, Sanford’s Lapu-Lapu held the frontline, creating space for KarlTzy and Oheb to execute their combos. TNC struggled to find openings as every objective fell to Liquid. TLPH claimed all three Turtles and controlled every Lord, cementing their dominance. Sanford’s timely plays earned him MVP honors as Liquid closed out a convincing Game 1 victory.
Game 2 saw TNC strike back. Justine ‘Zaida’ Palma’s Fanny came out blazing, securing first blood against Sanford’s Edith just over a minute in. The early kill opened the path for the first Turtle, and TNC’s relentless rotations quickly put TLPH on the back foot. By the ten-minute mark, TNC had a commanding 9–1 lead, with all three Lords under their control. Zaida’s precision and high-flying mechanics dismantled Liquid’s formation, earning him MVP honors as TNC claimed a crucial win to even the series.
TLPH regained momentum in Games 3, 4, and 5. The squad tightened their coordination, showcased disciplined rotations, and executed objectives with precision. TNC struggled to replicate their Game 2 success, as Liquid dominated team fights and maintained unrelenting lane pressure.
Despite TNC’s efforts, Liquid’s superior execution proved overwhelming, securing the series victory and ending TNC’s playoff run with a respectable third-place finish. Zaida’s standout plays were among the tournament’s memorable moments, making TNC’s campaign one fans will remember.
Meanwhile, Team Liquid PH advanced to the grand finals of the MPL PH Season 16, securing their spot in the M7 World Championship. They are now setting their sights on the grand finals, ready to face Aurora Gaming PH in a clash of the season’s best. After a rollercoaster playoff run, the team carries not just their skills but also the confidence and experience that could help them bring home the title.
by Rojelyn Cona & Bianca Diane Beltran, Esports Inquirer interns; additional writing by Julius Tabios
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