By: George Torno
Team Liquid PH crushed Smart Omega, securing a 2-0 sweep in MPL Philippines Season 16 on Sunday, October 4, at the Green Sun Hotel Makati.
The victory booked TLPH’s spot in the playoffs, improving their record to 8-4 and placing them just behind Aurora, who lead the standings at 10-1.
In Game 1, the Cavalry displayed sheer dominance, wiping out OMG by the 8th minute while only losing three heroes.
TLPH never looked back, closing the game in 10 minutes with a total of 15 kills, fueled by constant initiation from Sanford “Sanford” Vinuya (Gloo) and follow-ups from Kiel “Oheb” Soriano (Granger) and Karl “KarlTzy” Nepomuceno.
Coach Rodel “Ar Sy” Cruz admitted he did not expect such a dominant start.
“Sinabi ko lang pag-nanalo tayo dito, uwian na, kasi day-off na,” Ar Sy joked.
Game 2 saw Omega fight back. After TLPH secured the 21st-minute Lord, Czedrick “Super Yoshi” Romero executed a clutch Final Slash from the backline, catching three of TLPH’s damage dealers and turning the trade into a 4-for-0 swing in Omega’s favor.
Moments later, a tense Lord dance erupted into chaos. Sanford (Phoveous) opened with a Flicker Dark Wave combo to eliminate Dean “Raizen” Sumagui (Fredrinn), sparking an all-out brawl that ended with a 5-for-1 wipeout in Omega’s favor, closing the series.
TLPH will face Team Falcons on Saturday, October 11, at the same venue.
