After getting mixed results on opening day, Kim “Gabbi” Villafuerte’s huge performances spearheaded TNC’s two wins on the second day of the WePlay AniMajor group stage on Sunday at Kyiv, Ukraine.
The Gabbi-led TNC (2-1-1) is now on a four-way tie at the second spot with Evil Geniuses (1-3-0), Team Nigma (2-1-1), and Vici Gaming (1-3-0).
TNC offlaner Jun “Bok” Kanehara, who is playing on his first career Major, bounced back from his rough debut and keyed the Filipinos’ Game One win over Beastcoast through his Tidehunter.
Gabbi then took the reins come Game Two, leading TNC to a dominant victory capped off by his double rampage.
The Kings of Philippine Dota then played from behind against the much-experienced Team Nigma, who was composed of members of the Team Liquid squad that won The International 7.
Still, TNC managed to get the 2-0 win.
Gabbi’s Wraith King proved to be the key in the come-from-behind Game One victory, supplying the much-needed damage late to help Armel “Armel” Tabios take over the match.
The 22-year-old carry played big once more in Game Two, securing crucial Reverse Polarities with his Magnus to stage another late win.
PSG.LGD currently holds the top spot with a 2-2-0 record while Team Spirit (0-3-1), Beastcoast (0-2-2), and Team Liquid (0-1-3), placed sixth, seventh, and eighth, respectively.
TNC looks to sustain its momentum against PSG.LGD later in the day at 7:00 pm and Team Liquid at 11:00 pm.
