By: George Torno
ONIC Philippines solidified their spot in the MPL Philippines Season 16 playoffs after a commanding 2-0 sweep of Twisted Minds on Saturday, October 4, at the Green Sun Hotel Makati.
The victory improved the Sonics’ record to 7-5, making them the third team to clinch a playoff berth and leaving them just one win behind Team Liquid PH, with only a week remaining in the regular season.
According to Coach Anthony “Ynot” Senedrin, Twisted Minds’ draft posed no real challenge, given his respect for Kristoffer “BON CHAN” Ricaplaza’s leadership of the team.
“I think having two different junglers prepare in a single week is difficult,” Ynot said.
Game 1 saw Stephen “Sensui” Castillo’s Guinevere pick shine early, but ONIC took control by the ninth minute, capitalizing on a failed pick-off attempt from John “Caloy” Roma’s (Kalea) Tsunami Slam that ultimately cost Twisted Minds the game.
Frince “Super Frince” Ramirez turned the misplay into a Maniac during a wipeout, sealing the win in just 12 minutes.
In the early stages of Game 2, Twisted Minds pushed back hard, with Caloy (Kalea) securing key pick-offs supported by Lance “Lansu” Misa’s (Arlott) Flicker-Final Slash combos by the eighth minute.
However, ONIC responded as Jann “Kirk” Gutierrez’s (Lapu-Lapu) Flicker-Bravest Fighter combo caught three members of Twisted Minds, swinging momentum and securing the first Lord despite the absence of King “K1NGKONG” Perez (Hayabusa).
By the 24th minute, K1NGKONG secured the Lord while catching Sensui (Lancelot) and two other members of Twisted Minds, setting up Grant “Kelra” Pillastro (Bane) to finish them off and close out the series.
ONIC Philippines will face Smart Omega next on Friday, October 10, at the same venue.
