Omega Esports booted out ECHO via a 3-1 outing in the first round of the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League-Philippines Season Eight playoffs, Thursday night.
What looked like a botched play in Game Four became the closer for the SMART-backed squad.
After taking down the Lord entering the 11-minute mark, Omega Esports lost four men in the ensuing clash that gave ECHO enough time to take down the middle lane inner turret.
ECHO tried to secure the base turret from the same lane before retreating to defend their base against the Lord. However, Duane “Kelra” Pillas’ Aldous kick-started a clash that saw Patrick “E2MAX” Caidic Luo Yi pull off a game-winning diversion play. That then helped them secure a four-man wipe for the win.
E2MAX earned the SMART 5G MVP with three kills, three deaths, and three assists in the quick Game Four win.
“Para sa akin, mahirap din ‘yung [puro kayo] late game comeback. Siyempre parang lugi kayo sa early. Kaya ‘yun ‘yung pinractice namin,” said E2MAX moments after the victory.
Omega Esports dominated in the opening match, leaning on the aggressive plays coming from Joshua “Ch4knu” Mangilog’s Mathilda. “Ch4knu” was named the SMART 5G MVP with eight assists and a death in the quick Game One win.
ECHO fought back in Game Two with Mark “Hadess” Lazaro (Paquito) securing crucial objectives which resulted in a tight 13-13 victory that lasted for 21 minutes and 41 seconds. Hadess took the SMART 5G MVP with five kills, a death, and four assists.
Meanwhile, rookie Dean “Raizen” Sumagui came alive in Game Three as Omega Esports took a 2-1 advantage. He finished with nine kills and three assists without a single death in the win.
Omega Esports will take on defending champion Blacklist International in the second round of the playoffs tomorrow at 6:00 PM.
