By: Jan Marcus Montevirgen
Smart Omega was officially eliminated from playoff contention last weekend after Blacklist International won against ECHO during Game 2 of their series at the Shooting Gallery Studios in Makati.
Despite failing to secure a playoff berth, Smart Omega Coach Ronel “Stronger” Tan expressed gratitude to Joshua “Ch4knu” Mangilog for delivering two much-needed wins last week, keeping their playoff hopes alive.
“Sobrang thankful nga kami sa kanya kase tinulungan niya kami. Kung hindi dahil sa kanya, hindi kami mananalo ng two straight wins noong week six,” said Coach Stronger in an exclusive interview with Tiebreaker Times.
“So sobrang thankful kami kase nagtiwala siya sa amin and at the same na-lift up yung morale ng team. Iba yung naitutulong niya.”
Ch4knu was transferred from MDL to MPL during week six as Smart Omega’s lifeline, enabling them to secure the last playoff spot for MPL Season 13.
The 23-year-old roamer from Smart Omega initially intended to focus on his studies this season and return for the next season. However, circumstances changed, and his prowess was necessary for them to clinch the playoffs.
“Si Chaknu talaga for this season, gusto namin talaga siya mag-focus sa pag-school eh. So yun yung target namin talaga this season, and then ready siya for next season,” shared by the Smart Omega coach.
“Pero dumating kami sa point na kailangan namin yung kapangyarihan niya. Kaya last [week] na namin siya naingat [sa MPL].”
Despite not being the main focus in ML for this season, the MPL Week 6 MVP remained thankful for the trust the team placed in him, which ultimately proved crucial for their playoff bid.
“Nagpapasalamat din ako sa kanila kasi kahit ‘di ako focus sa ML may tiwala sila sa akin,” said Ch4knu to Tiebreaker Times.
For the first time in 12 MPL seasons, Smart Omega finds themselves outside the playoffs.
