Duane “Kelra” Pillas’ post-game celebration has been a staple in Omega Esports’ victories all throughout the MPL Philippines Season Nine.
But on Saturday night, the usual loud jeers turned into tears for the 17-year-old rising star.
The SMART-backed squad, who was coming off a sorry loss to TNC in the second round of the playoffs, eliminated Marky “Markyyyyy” Capacio – Kelra’s former teammate and mentor – and ONIC PH out of playoff contention.
Kelra, who was battling his tears after the victory, immediately went to his good friend and hugged him.
“Una sinabi ko nag so-sorry ako kasi nalaglag namin sila tapos po gusto ko po kasi talaga namin kami yung magkatapat sa finals.
“Kami yung lumipad sa MSC e kaso ayun nalaglag kami parehas sa lower tapos nagkatapat kaya sorry po ako nang sorry kay Markyyyyy, yakap yakap ko po kasi naiiyak po talaga ako,” shared Kelra in the post-match press conference.
Kelra and Markyyyyy spent two years together in WoRk back in their amateur days. Both of them also entered the professional ranks at the same time in Season Seven with the former joining Execration and the latter going to ONIC PH.
The reigning MSC MVP even credited his success to Markyyyyy who, according to him, treated him like his little brother.
“Sobrang magka-close kami ni Markyyyyy kasi two years ko siyang teammate tapos halos siya yung parang naging kuya saka yung nagpalakas sa akin,” said Kelra.
“Lagi po akong tinuturuan nun dati nung magkasama pa kami, lagi akong tinuturuan kung anong gagawin, doon po talaga ako natuto mag ML. Doon ako lumakas,” he added.
Kelra and Omega Esports will next face the loser of the RSG PH-TNC match in the lower bracket finals tomorrow at 3:00 PM.
