By: Jan Marcus Montevirgen
Smart Omega spoiled Caisam Yvez “Wolf” Nopueto’s coaching debut, opening its MPL Philippines Season 14 campaign with a dominant 2-0 sweep of TNC Pro Team on Friday at the Green Sun Hotel in Makati.
In the second game, the Smart-backed squad leaned on the offensive firepower of Jomari “Jowm” Pingol (Roger) and Jayson “UK1R” Alupit (Vexana) to secure an impressive victory and kick off the season on a high note.
Omega had an opportunity to seal the win at the 15-minute mark when Nowee “Ryota” Macasa (Ruby) initiated a team fight, picking off two members of TNC.
However, TNC’s base was defended by Salvick “Kouzen” Tolarba (Karrie) and Lance “LanceCy” Cunanan (Aurora), delaying the inevitable.
In a 17-minute skirmish in the mid-lane, Jowm opted out of the fight and made a decisive split-push in the bottom lane, ending the match in 18 minutes and 11 seconds.
Jowm finished Game 2 with a stellar performance, recording six kills, six assists, and one death. Meanwhile, Ryota and UK1R combined for nine kills, 22 assists, and only three deaths.
“Kumbaga, nagbunga yung mga pinractice namin. Nag-manifest yung pinractice namin, gumana sa game,” Joshua “Ch4knu” Mangilog said during the post-match interview.
Despite the strong performance, Ch4knu acknowledged that the team still has room for improvement.
“Siguro, 7.5. Kase ‘di pa masyadong malinis may mga kulang pa. Kaya parang ano, [kailangan pa] mag-practice,” he added.
On the TNC Pro Team side, Kouzen and Christian “HEADS” Morada (Terizla) were the team’s pillars, finishing Game 2 with a combined seven kills, three assists, and three deaths.
Smart Omega will next face Falcons AP Bren on Saturday at 7:30 PM. On the other hand, TNC Pro Team will aim for their first win of the opening week against Fnatic ONIC PH at 2:30 PM at the same venue.
