By: Paolo R. Trinidad
Action PH dropped to the decider match after losing to ONIC G, 0-2, in the Group A winners’ match of the VALORANT Champions Tour Asia-Pacific Stage 1: Challengers play-in, Saturday afternoon.
The Filipinos had an underwhelming first half in Game Two (Breeze), losing a couple of rounds due to bad timings and miscommunication. The mishaps buried Action PH, 4-8, heading to the second half.
Action PH looked like it was about to turn things around after clearing two consecutive rounds to cut the deficit to just two, however, ONIC G answered with a 3-0 spurt to push the lead to five.
Philip “Aryu” Vergara (Viper) tried to kick-start a rally through a one-versus-four clutch in Round 18 along with a one-on-two clutch showing in Round 20. Unfortunately, though, ONIC G closed the series two rounds after at 13-9.
ONIC’s Hagai Kristen “Lmemore” Yesyurun (Chamber) was crowned match MVP with 24 kills in Game Two. On the other hand, George “Georggyyy” Lachica’s Jett and Aryu finished with 19 and 16, respectively, for the side of APH.
Game One at Ascent was a nip-and-tuck affair with both teams exchanging leads all throughout the match.
With ONIC on the verge of ending Map One, Emmanuel “Emman” Morales (Sage) tried to deny the match point advantage with a four-kill. Unluckily for Emman, the time was not enough as the spike exploded, 11-12, with APH trailing by one.
ONIC made sure to finish the game the following round to conclude Game One, 13-11 for the side of the Indonesians. Michael “SEVERiNE” Winata’s KAY/O finished with a 25-16-12 KDA scoreline. Emman also had 25 for Action.
The Indonesians already advanced to the group stage of the tournament following the win.
Meanwhile, Action PH still has a shot at a group stage slot but will have to win its series against the winner of the Team Big Baam-FULL SENSE match-up.
