AP.Bren asserted their mastery over Blacklist International, securing a 2-0 sweep on the opening day of the MPL Philippines Season 13 at the Shooting Gallery Studios in Makati City on Friday.
However, the reigning M5 World Champions had to survive a close Game 2 encounter that lasted for more than 33 minutes before completing the sweep. The team, however, shrugged off the high-pressure situation and displayed championship composure against the M3 World Champions.
“Sinanay na naman sa sarili namin na kahit parang nakakapressure na yung laro, parang wala lang sa amin,” explained David “FlapTzy” Canon on how they handled the Game 2 situation.
“Chill lang kami. At marami na kaming naranasan sa ganitong mga sitwasyon sa tournament at sa scrim kaya parang normal na lang sa amin na kalmado lang talaga,” he continued.
When asked if he felt any pressure, his answer was simple, “Wala po talaga.” To which goldlaner Marco “Super Marco” Requitiano quickly agreed.
Super Marco exploded in the opener while playing Karrie, scoring a double kill during a 14th-minute skirmish that capped off a 4-1 exchange.
AP.Bren then secured the opener after David “FlapTzy” Canon’s (Arlott) double kill sparked a game-winning 4-1 wipe early in the 16th minute, making it 1-0.
But Blacklist delivered a gutsy Game 2 performance, with AP.Bren needing 33 minutes to put away the three-time MPL PH champions courtesy of Kyle “KyleTzy” Sayson’s (Barats) clutch Detona’s Welcome on Kiel “Oheb” Soriano (Brody) late in the 31st minute, handing the goldlaner his first death of the game.
