Smart Omega reasserted its mastery over TNC Pro Team with a thrilling 2-1 victory in Week 5 of the MPL Philippines Season 16 on Friday at the Green Sun Hotel in Makati City.
With the win, Omega improved to 3-5 but remained in sixth place, as TNC (3-5) held the tiebreaker advantage to stay at fifth.
Execution was the key factor in the win, according to head coach Hans “Wuraaaah” Solano, who praised his team’s performance in their repeat victory over the Phoenix Army.
“Siguro yung execution namin nasa 80% pataas kaya nakuha namin yung expected result,” he said.
TNC came out firing in Game 1, building a 3,500 gold lead by the 8th minute behind the efforts of Joshua “Ch4knu” Mangilog (Hilda) and Lance “LanceCy” Cunanan (Kimmy), who both posted identical 1-0-2 KDAs.
However, Dean “Raizen” Sumagui (Lancelot) turned the tide with a spectacular play during a disadvantageous 2-on-4 lord dance in the 9th minute, securing a double kill that shifted momentum in Omega’s favor for the rest of the game.
TNC responded in Game 2, clawing back from a 4,500 gold deficit by the 16th minute thanks to Justine “Zaida” Palma’s outstanding performance on Lancelot.
The 20-year-old jungler showcased his mechanics during a prolonged clash midway through the 17th minute, leading TNC to a clean 5-for-0 wipeout that evened the series.
In the decider, Smart Omega surged ahead by as much as 4,500 gold before closing the door on TNC’s comeback attempt with a decisive 3-for-0 wipe during the 16th-minute lord fight.
Omega will look to secure its fourth win when it faces AP.Bren tomorrow, September 20.
