AP.Bren emerged victorious in the battle of world champions as they survived ECHO in a 2-1 thriller during Week 3 of the MPL Philippines Season 13 on Saturday at the Shooting Gallery Studios in Makati City.
The defending MPL PH champions tightened their grip on the top spot with 18 points (6-0), while ECHO, which handed AP.Bren its first-ever game loss this season, remained second with 13 points (4-1).
For skipper Angelo “Pheww” Arcangel, it was their most difficult match to date, but thanks to better drafting, they preserved their immaculate record.
“Nagkatalo lang sa draft. Kitang kita naman sa laro na pantay lang talaga eh. Micro, macro, pantayan. Pero nagkatalo siguro sa draft,” he said.
“Sobrang lakas nila sa early eh ganun yung playstyle namin. Parang early game-centric kami tapos nasasabayan nila kami ng early game.”
Both teams engaged in an all-out war from the get-go, but AP.Bren’s championship poise was on full display in Game 1 as they shrugged off the early game deficit by emerging victorious in decisive team fights highlighted by Marco “Super Marco” Requitiano’s (Brody) pick off on Alston “Sanji” Pabico (Valentina) late in the 15th minute to secure a 4-0 punish and take the opener.
Game 2 came down to a 22nd-minute base turret siege where AP.Bren successfully defended and scored two kills, but Sanji (Vexan) showcased an outstanding mechanical display, paving the way for Jaypee “Jaypee” dela Cruz (Guinevere)’s two-man Spatial Migration set-up play.
The pinpoint layering of skills helped Frederic “Bennyqt” Gonzales (Roger) spearhead the 4-0 wipe that forced a rubber match, resulting in a 1-1 tie.
AP.Bren then had to once again shrug off their early game struggles in Game 3 to take the series with a massive 17-4 edge in the kill score, led by game MVP Rowgien “Owgwen” Unigo’s (Arlott) spotless 5-0-11 KDA.
The reigning M5 World Champions will aim to secure a half-season sweep as they face ONIC Philippines on April 13.
