ECHO rookie Justine “Zaida” Palma showcased stellar mechanical skills on Sunday night, securing crucial objectives to lead ECHO’s reverse sweep of Nexplay EVOS in MPL Philippines Season 10.
Zaida’s Retribution timing was definitely on point in the first two-game of the series, beating Nexplay EVOS jungler John Paul “H2wo” Salonga in almost every Lord and Turtle fight.
None of it, though, was more important than his crucial Retribution in the 14th minute of Game Three to help his squad seal the reversal.
Still, the up-and-coming jungler downplayed his performance, saying that he just got lucky most of the time. Zaida also credited superstar teammate Karl “KarlTzy” Nepomuceno for helping him hone his skills and boosting his morale whenever he goes up the stage.
(C) MPL PH
“Di ko naman po siya nahigitan. Team play po yung nangyari, nagkataon lang na ngayong araw mas swerte ako,” said Zaida when asked about his performance in the 2-1 win.
“Yung napakataas na confidence po niya, yun po yung bininigay po niya na aral sa akin,” Zaida shared.
“Napakalaking bagay po (na kasama ko siya) kasi po lagi niya po akong binu-boost. Nagsusuportahan po kami sa mga gagawin namin bawat game.”
KarlTzy, who led Bren Esports to the MPL PH Season Six and the M2 World Championship titles, has taken Zaida under his wing ever since he arrived at ECHO prior to Season 10. The former child prodigy has also praised the rookie jungler a couple of times in past interviews.
The M2 World Championship MVP, though, isn’t just a mentor to the 17-year-old Zaida.
“Gusto ko rin po maabot yung mga naabot niya kasama siya.”
Zaida recorded a kill and seven assists on Akai in Game Two before finishing Game Three with a 2-0-7 KDA line. With the win, ECHO ended the first round with a 5-2 win-loss standing.
