YOKKAICHI, Japan — Sibol bowed out of medal contention after a shocking 1-2 loss to rival Indonesia in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang esports event of the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 at Aichi Sky Expo here on Wednesday.
The Philippines, represented by the core of three-time MPL Philippines champion Team Liquid, struggled to find its footing as Indonesia’s aggressive start repeatedly disrupted Sibol’s plans throughout the series.
After dropping a tightly contested Game 1, Sibol, backed by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee, bounced back in Game 2. The Filipinos weathered the early-game pressure that had hounded them throughout the series to level the match.
Game 3 followed a similar script, with Indonesia once again seizing the initiative from the opening minutes. This time, however, the Philippines could not mount another response as the Indonesians gradually pulled away to close out the series, 22-18, in 17 minutes.
Karl “KarlTzy” Nepomuceno, who had been stellar throughout the series, was neutralized by Indonesia’s suffocating jungle control in Game 3. His Nolan struggled to find farm and fell behind in levels as the Indonesians repeatedly disrupted his pathing.
By the 10-minute mark, Sibol had been stripped of nearly all its resources, with Indonesia claiming six turrets, three Turtles, and a Lord to build a 7,000-gold advantage and leave the Philippines with little room to mount a comeback.
It was an abrupt end to the title favorites’ gold medal aspirations, with Sibol, also backed by Smart, Cignal, TV5, and Arena Social, sweeping Pool C with convincing wins over Jordan and Kazakhstan before its campaign came to a sudden halt against Indonesia.
Composing the MLBB squad are Nepomuceno, Sanford “Sanford” Vinuya, Alston “Sanji” Pabico, Jaypee “Jaypee” Dela Cruz, Dave “Teddy” Viana, and Duane “Kelra” Pillas.
The loss marked the end of Sibol’s campaign in the Asian Games, with the Philippines’ esports delegation delivering bronze medals in both Honor of Kings and Pokémon UNITE.
Earlier in the day, Sibol’s Identity V squad also saw its Asian Games campaign come to an end in the quarterfinals after a 0-2 loss to Malaysia.
The Philippines never found its footing, suffering back-to-back 1-8 defeats as the Malaysians seized control from the opening game and never let go, sending Sibol crashing out of medal contention.
