By: George Torno
Aurora midlaner Kenneth “Yue” Tadeo could not hide his frustration, shedding tears on stage as he bumped fists with Team Liquid PH following their heartbreaking defeat in the MPL Philippines Season 16 Grand Finals.
In an exclusive interview with Tiebreaker Times, Yue admitted he blamed himself for the team’s loss, saying Game 4 was their final chance at the championship — only to be stunned by Team Liquid PH’s backdoor finish.
“That time kasi sobrang frustrated ko na, tsaka sinisisi ko ‘yung sarili ko — dapat panalo kami nung Game 4 kaso hindi ko finull-clear yung wave sa top kahit alam ko na possible na mag-backdoor sila,” Yue said, holding back tears.
Entering Game 4, Yue said the Northern Lights maintained a calm mindset, focused on extending the series and completing a reverse sweep.
“Sinisisi ko sarili ko na sobrang bobo ko, ‘bat di ko na-clear [yung minions], kaya ayun napaiyak na talaga ako,” he admitted.
“Ang mindset kasi namin, kayang-kaya namin i-Game 7. Kumbaga, mindset talaga namin is one game at a time — pag napanalo namin ‘to, i-reverse sweep namin,” Yue added.
Throughout his career, Yue has yet to taste a championship victory, settling for runner-up finishes each time he’s come close to the crown.
Despite the loss, he hopes to turn the lessons from this season into fuel for redemption as Aurora PH prepares for the World Championship stage.
“Sobrang naging maganda yung run ng team namin ngayong season, especially nag-win streak kami. Siguro itong grand finals lang mas naging better team yung Team Liquid kesa sa amin,” Yue said.
