By: Jan Marcus Montevirgen
Team Liquid Philippines is now just one match away from clinching a playoff spot in the MPL Philippines Season 14 after outlasting RSG Philippines in a closely contested series, winning 2-1 on Friday at the Green Sun Hotel in Makati.
With this victory, Team Liquid improved their record to 6-5, placing them in fifth position in the standings.
However, the win also puts RSG Philippines in a challenging position to secure advancement.
They are now tied with Blacklist International, both holding a 3-8 record.
Alston “Sanji” Pabico (Aurora) shone during the decisive Game 3, finishing with a flawless KDA of six kills and five assists.
The pivotal moment came when Sanford “Sanford” Vinuya (Khaleed) and Sanji picked off Jhondy “Nibor” Ranque (Phoveus) during the 12th minute and 29 seconds of the game, leading to a decisive push in the top lane alongside the Lord.
“Sobrang nakakatuwa. Kung ano yung nilalabas namin sa mga practice matches namin, nailabas namin dito sa mismong stage. Well commended lahat ng players sa panalo naming ngayon,” said head coach Harold “TicTac” Reyes during the post-match interview.
The first game was an all-out teamfight where Team Liquid Philippines took an early lead, securing five kills in the first five minutes.
However, RSG turned the tide during the first Lord fight, not only capturing the objective but nearly wiping out the reigning MPL champions, with Jaypee “Jaypee” Cruz (Tigreal) left to defend.
Despite this, Team Liquid finished the opener with a swift mid-lane push after Jaypee’s two-man Implosion set at the Lord pit in the 14th minute and 18 seconds, allowing them to take down three members of RSG.
Sanford “Sanford” Vinuya (Arlott) was named the match MVP with a KDA of five kills, eight assists, and two deaths, while Jaypee contributed with 11 assists and three deaths.
Meanwhile, John “1rrad” Tuazon (Nolan) starred in Game 2, pushing the series into a full three games with an impressive record of seven kills, two assists, and one death.
Additionally, this outcome provided a lifeline to TNC Pro Team, who is facing Aurora as of publishing.
Looking ahead, Team Liquid Philippines will face Blacklist International on Saturday at 2:30 p.m., while RSG Philippines will go up against first-seed Fnatic ONIC Philippines on Sunday at 5:00 p.m.
