The Mobile Legends Professional League (MPL) Season 16 Playoffs kicked off with quick wins from Team Liquid PH and TNC Pro Team at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City on Wednesday, October 22.
Team Liquid PH proves too much to handle for Team Falcons
Despite the rain, fans were hyped as they were treated to a banger match-up with Team Liquid PH taking on Team Falcons. Team Liquid PH had a huge pick-me-up with the return of Coach Rodel ‘Ar Sy’ Cruz to the sideline after some health issues.
In Game 1, Alston ‘Sanji’ Pabico took control of the game with his Zhuxin. In Game 2, it was Kiel ‘Oheb’ Soriano’s time to shine on his Harith, leading a quick 17-minute rout. It was looking like a Team Liquid PH sweep, but Team Falcons would not have it.
READ: Here’s what to expect at the MPL PH Season 16 Playoffs this October
Marco ‘Super Marco’ Requiatiano’s Bane and Michael ‘KyleTzy’ Sayson’s Yi Sun-shin took command of their comeback bid as they stole Game 3 from Team Liquid PH. But Team Liquid PH wanted to end their night early with a spectacular performance from superstar jungler Karl ‘KarlTzy’ Nepomuceno’s Lancelot. A crucial Lord take from KarlTzy was too much for Team Falcons to handle.
TNC Pro Team pulls off memorable performance to survive Twisted Minds PH
The second series of the day was another elimination game between TNC Pro Team and Twisted Minds PH. With their season and tournament lives on the line, it was TNC Pro Team who struck first with Joshua ‘Ch4knu’ Mangilog’s Gatotkaca. The veteran roamer tallied four kills and five assists in the 11-minute game. Twisted Minds’ decision to take the Gatotkaca for themselves paid off greatly.
Michael ‘MP The King’ Endino showed off equal parts flash and consistency in a memorable performance. He hit a quick level 15 and never looked back as Twisted Mind equalized the series. In Game 3, TNC Pro Team took the Lancelot for themselves and allowed Frederic Benedict ‘Bennyqt’ Gonzales’s Obsidia to scale all the way to victory. Game 4 was another episode of the MP The King show on his Hayabusa. His plays were fueled by full consistency, forcing a Game 5 against TNC Pro Team. With Game 5 on the line, it was Justine ‘Zaida’ Palma who stole the spotlight with his Fanny with a flawless performance.
MPL Season 16 to feature musical acts during playoffs
The 16th edition of the MPL also featured a performance by the son of the late great Francis Magalona, Arkin ‘Barq’ Magalona.
Other artists set to grace the MPL Playoffs stage include Filipino rap collective UNXPCTD, known for their hit song ‘Pass Sa Low Key,’ who are set to perform on October 23. Popular rock band Nobita, who gained viral fame with their single ‘Ikaw Lang,’ will jam with the fans at the free MPL Festival event on October 25. Singer-songwriter Ace Banzuelo will end the show on October 26 at the MPL Season 16 Grand Finals.
Tomorrow will have more explosive action with Onic Philippines taking on Team Liquid and Aurora dueling against TNC Pro Team. Matches will start at 3 p.m. at the Cuneta Astrodome.
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