Joshua “Ch4knu” Mangilog continued from where he left off in Season 10, igniting Smart Omega to a 2-0 victory over Minana Evos in Week 1 of the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) Philippines Season 12 at the Shooting Gallery Studios in Makati City.
Ch4knu had skipped Season 11 when his long-time partner, Patrick “E2max” Caidic, decided to transition into a coaching role. Both of them now occupy spots in the team’s starting roster.
The star roamer is entering this season with renewed motivation and commitment, spurred by his team’s fifth-sixth place finish in the previous season.
“Nagpractice ako nang mas maigi kaysa dati. Kasi dati wala akong disiplina. Ngayon mas may disiplina na,” said Ch4knu.
“Dati, pag 2 pm scrim, 2 pm din gising ko. Ngayon, maaga na. Kumbaga nakasulat na. May schedule na ako.”
Newly-acquired player, Nowie “Ryota” Macasa, spearheaded Omega’s Game 1 campaign, which lasted for 27 minutes. He finished with a 5-0-6 KDA.
In Game 2, Omega managed to secure Ch4knu’s signature Grock pick, enabling Duane “Kelra” Pillas (Bruno) to snowball and lead a 4-1 trade-off during a lengthy 15th-minute lord dance.
Ch4knu finished with a 0-1-7 KDA, with his only death occurring in the final lord fight leading to the victory. Kelra, who was named the Game 2 MVP, complemented with a 4-2-5 KDA.
Omega is reeling from back-to-back eliminations in the MPL PH Season 10 and Season 11 playoffs after finishing in the top three in Season 8 and Season 9.
