Facing a two-time world champion, Smart Omega’s Ron Matthew “Matt” Papag proved that he belongs in the MPL Philippines with a solid performance against Echo in his debut in the professional ranks.
Just a week earlier, Matt led Omega Neos to the upper bracket of the MDL Philippines Season 2 playoffs before he was promoted to the Smart Omega roster in a swap with Andrew Lew “Andoryuuu” Flora.
Even Echo’s star jungler, Karl “KarlTzy” Nepomuceno, sang praises for the MPL PH rookie.
“Okay naman po performance niya. Nakakasabay naman siya. Wag lang siya sigurong kabahan,” he said.
During Omega’s match-up against Echo, Matt was able to steal several objectives from KarlTzy in the early game before succumbing in the late game.
Matt was far from surprised by his performance, saying he was already expecting such a performance from himself in his first foray into the professional scene.
What came as a shock to him was how he was able to manage his nerves during his long-anticipated professional debut.
“Naexpect ko na ganun yung magiging laro ko. Nakasabay naman ako sa ibang MPL players. Gulat po ako di ako kinabahan eh. Inexpect ko kasi na pag-apak ko sa stage kakabahan ako,” Matt said.
He couldn’t hide his emotions as he expressed satisfaction with how he was able to compete toe-to-toe in showdowns around the game objectives against KarlTzy, who is considered one of the best junglers in the world.
“Idol ko yun eh si KarlTzy tapos nakakasabay pa rin ako kahit papano,” said an elated Matt.
Omega skipper Patrick “E2max” Caidic also lauded Matt’s performance and continues to boost his teammate’s confidence as they try to make a run for the playoffs. They currently sit sixth with 12 points.
“Lagi namin siya chini-cheer up na wag siyang kabahan. Pakita niya lang kung anong nilalaro niya. Kahit na natalo kami ngayon, natuwa naman ako sa naging performance niya,” said E2max of Matt.
Matt’s growth in the final two weeks of the regular season will be key as Omega aims to improve on their 5th-6th finish in Season 11.
