By: Jan Marcus Montevirgen
Blacklist International kept their playoff hopes alive by narrowly defeating TNC Pro Team, 2-1, in a thrilling three-game series during the penultimate week of MPL Philippines Season 14 on Sunday at the Green Sun Hotel in Makati.
The turning point came in Game 3 when TNC launched a strong mid-lane push, nearly ending the game. However, Blacklist mounted a successful defense, achieving a wipeout and sealing the match just seconds later.
Kiel “OHEB” Soriano emerged as the match MVP, delivering an impressive performance on Beatrix with a KDA of 10 kills, six assists, and two deaths.
“Para sa akin, nagbabalik na yung dating OHEB. Kasi kanina noong last game na ‘yon, siya yung nagsabi na, ‘Isa pa akong Beatrix coach. Tiwala?’ Tinatanong niya ako, then sinabi ko, ‘Sige ibitaw mo uli ‘yan kung nafi-feel mo.’ Then ayon, hindi niya naman kami binigo,” said head coach Kristoffer “BON CHAN” Ricaplaza during the post-match interview.
In Game 1, Blacklist also relied on OHEB’s Lunox, which posed a significant threat to the entire TNC squad for the full 14 minutes and 28 seconds of the opener.
However, TNC showcased their strength in Game 2, where Jomearie “Escalera” Santos’ Mathilda paved the way for them to tie the series 1-1. Santos was named game MVP, finishing with a perfect record of two kills and ten assists.
With this victory, Blacklist now sits in 6th place with a 4-9 record, while TNC remains winless at the bottom of the standings with a 0-12 record.
To clinch a playoff spot, Blacklist must win their final regular season match against Aurora on October 6 at 5:00 PM. They will also need RSG Philippines to lose both of their remaining games next week.
