ONIC PH jungler Dean “Raizen” Sumagui had the last laugh as he steered his side to a come-from-behind 3-2 victory over his former team, Omega Esports, to conclude the first round of the MPL Philippines Season 12 on Sunday night.
In the first game, Raizen and his new squad fell victim to Omega Esports’ cheese strategy, where they placed star gold laner Duane “Kelra” Pillas in the jungler role on Harith. However, ONIC PH quickly adapted to the Smart-backed squad’s composition and secured Game 2 to even the series.
This forced Omega Esports to substitute Andrew “Andoryuuu” Flora in the decisive match, but it proved insufficient as the Hedgehogs secured a crucial win in Game 3 to complete the reverse sweep.
Raizen, who had been exchanging trash talk with his former teammates since the preseason, immediately confronted Omega Esports after the victory and flexed.
“Wala po akong sinabi eh. Sinabi ko lang po na nag-cheese strat pa sila nung Game 1, parang nanglason pa,” said Raizen after the win.
However, it’s important to note that there is no animosity between the 19-year-old jungler and his former squad, as they embraced each other during the mandatory handshake line. In fact, Raizen even expressed his hope that Omega Esports can finally break out of their slump after suffering two consecutive losses to close out the first round.
“Masasabi ko lang bawi lang sila kasi may leg two pa. Pero sa iba sila bumawi, ‘wag samin,” he said.
With the victory, ONIC PH temporarily secured the second spot with 13 points and a 4-3 win-loss record.
