Blacklist International bounced back from an opening day loss at the hands of defending champion AP.Bren by edging out Minana EVOS, 2-1, in Week 1 of the MPL Philippines Season 13 at the Shooting Gallery Studios in Makati City, Saturday.
The three-time MPL PH champions surprised everyone with a unique Ruby pick in the goldlane during the first two games.
“Yun kasi yung best hero dati ni Oheb bago namin siya irecruit. Siguro napunta kami dun sa idea na since nagre-request sila ng bago, especially mga fans, edi magpakita tayo ng bago,” explained Blacklist head coach Kristoffer “BON CHAN” Ricaplaza on the Ruby pick during Game 1 and Game 2.
“Willing naman yung team namin na mag-risk kasi talagang pinractice din naman so binitaw na namin.”
After easily taking the opening game, Blacklist found themselves in a tight Game 2 encounter that lasted up to 32 minutes.
Lance “LanceCy” Cunanan’s (Lylia) then came into play for Minana to force a rubber match.
In Game 3, Kiel “Oheb” Soriano – who had been playing Ruby in the first two games – opted to go with the Karrie pick.
And that helped the three-time MPL PH champions secure the series win in just 17 minutes with a perfect 7-0-2 KDA.
Blacklist will next face TNC Pro Team on March 23.
On the other hand, Minana is scheduled to square off against ONIC Philippines on the same day.
