Blacklist International booked a lower bracket semifinals berth after surviving a pesky Geek Fam ID squad, 3-1, in the M5 World Championship Knockout Stage on Friday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
The Tier One-backed squad played their hearts out after Geek Fam lorded over the early game throughout the series, even dominantly taking the opener.
“Preparation vs preparation kasi yung nangyari so mas maganda yung hinanda nila,” said Blacklist coach Aniel “Master the Basics” Jiandani.
“Chine-check namin kung gaano sila magiging aggressive and kanina lumagpas sa expectation namin yung aggressiveness nila. Kaya nung Game 2, before pa lang magstart, kelangan naming bantayan yun or higitan yun para makasabay kami.”
After splitting the first two games, Blacklist had to dig deep and mount a comeback in Game 3 spearheaded by Sensui’s (Akai) lord steal in the 13th minute.
Edward’s (Khaleed) double kill followed it up during the 17th-minute lord dance that touched off a game-winning 4-0 wipe as the three-time MPL PH champions reached match point, 2-1.
In Game 4, Blacklist took control after Oheb scored a double kill during a lengthy 15th-minute sequence that led to a lord objective.
Blacklist closed out the series after emerging on top of a 17th-minute skirmish with a 3-1 exchange that they converted into the game-winning base turret siege.
The M3 world champions now await the winner between Cambodia’s See You Soon and EECA’s Deus Vult.
