Joshua “Ch4knu” Mangilog played the savior for Smart Omega as his return to the MPL Philippines Season 13 stage highlighted his team’s much-needed 2-0 sweep of Blacklist International on Saturday at the Shooting Gallery Studios.
Omega registered only their second win to improve to seven points, just six points off of sixth-running Blacklist International for the last ticket to the playoffs.
“Masayang masaya kaming lahat sa team. Process kasi ‘yung nangyari. Masaya ‘yung mga choices namin lahat, hindi siya pababa eh. Kumbaga, nakikita na namin ‘yung liwanag,” said Omega head coach Ronel “Stronger” Tan on their win against Blacklist that resulted from several player movements that they employed this season.
In Game 1, Omega trailed for the first 14 minutes and was down 15-3 on the kill score with a 9k net worth deficit when the comeback by Ch4knu’s (Minotaur) timely Minoan Fury set-up play during the base turret defense, which triggered a 4-1 punish.
Nowee “Ryota” Macasa (Masha) then scored a double kill during the 18th-minute lord fight, helping Omega secure a 3-0 wipe and the game-winning lord objective.
In Game 2, Andrew Lew “Andoryuuu” Flora (Barats) played the hero as he displayed nerves of steel in securing the retribution for the decisive 14th-minute lord objective.
That was followed by two kills from Ryota (Cici) to conclude a 3-0 victory that was enough for Omega to secure the sweep by the 15th minute.
Despite the loss, Blacklist just needs to win one of their last three matches to ensure passage to the playoffs.
Omega will have no rest, however, as they are set to face defending champions AP.Bren on Sunday, April 28.
