Karl “KarlTzy” Nepomuceno set the tone for Team Liquid PH as they bounced back from their opening-day loss with a commanding 2-0 sweep of TNC Pro Team in Week 1 of MPL Philippines Season 16 on Saturday at the Green Sun Hotel in Makati City.
The victory served as a much-needed momentum boost for the defending champions, who were swept by ONIC Philippines the previous day.
Despite the win, TLPH head coach Rodel “Ar Sy” B. Cruz admitted that the team still has plenty to work on to return to their championship form.
“Siguro lahat naman kami hindi pa satisfied sa kung anong nilaro namin today, from drafting to gameplay. May mga struggles pa and shaky plays. So kelangan pa namin na mag-improve pa and marami pa kaming need gawin para lumakas pa kami,” he said.
KarlTzy’s Yi Sun Shin was unstoppable in Game 1, finishing with eight kills and six assists without a single death to lead TLPH to a dominant opener.
Game 2, however, was a different story. TNC built a solid 8,000 net worth lead by the 15th minute behind Frediemar “3Mar” Serafico’s Lapu-Lapu, who tallied a 5-1-6 KDA.
But KarlTzy once again rose to the occasion, taking over during a crucial 17th-minute lord fight to secure the objective and equalize the game.
Moments later, Alston “Sanji” Pabico’s Pharsa thwarted Frederic “Bennyqt” Gonzales’ Karrie in a last-ditch split push, sealing the sweep for Team Liquid PH.
With the win, Team Liquid PH is now tied with Smart Omega, AP.Bren, and Team Falcons PH for fourth place in the standings.
