PUTRAJAYA – The mission is far from over for Fnatic ONIC PH.
Head coach Tony “Ynot” Senedrin and gold laner Duane “Kelra” Pillas emphasized this shortly after the Sonics secured a grand finals berth with a dominant win over Team Liquid ID in the upper bracket finals of the M6 World Championship last Wednesday at the IOI Grand Exhibition & Convention Center here.
While thrilled with the victory, Ynot and Kelra made it clear that the triumph was merely a stepping stone toward their ultimate goal of capturing their first-ever world title.
“Tomorrow is another day for us. We need to work and we need to make sure that this is not done,” said Ynot during the post-game press conference.
“Medyo masaya ako, pero para sa akin, hindi pa panahon para magsaya eh. Kailangan muna namin tapusin yung grand finals bago magsaya,” Kelra added.
The reigning MPL PH champions clinched their spot in the grand finals after breaking a 1-1 tie with back-to-back dominant performances, ultimately defeating the defending MPL Indonesia winners 3-1 at the IOI Grand Exhibition & Convention Center.
Fnatic ONIC opened the tournament on a strong note, posting a pair of best-of-one victories against the same squad and CFU Gaming before dispatching BloodThirstyKings in three games to advance to the knockout phase.
(C) MOONTON Games
With the stakes higher than ever, the Filipino squad dominated home team Selangor Red Giants in the knockout stage opener and narrowly edged Myanmar’s Falcon Esports in the upper bracket semifinals.
Ynot expressed pride in his team’s maturity and resilience, which he credited as pivotal factors in their unbeaten run to the finals, highlighted by six consecutive victories.
“Very proud, to be honest. That Philippine pride is there, but most especially, I’m proud of my players. Up to this point, they do understand what’s at stake. Again, we can’t let all the Filipinos down. But apart from that, it’s really (about) the individual dreams that we have and, of course, the respect we have for each other,” Ynot said.
“Having to represent ONIC and the Philippines in the finals—I’m pretty psyched, to be honest. But again, job’s not done, so let’s see.”
With the world title within reach, Kelra noted that Fnatic ONIC would stick to their relaxed, pressure-free approach as they aim to deliver the Philippines its fifth consecutive M-Series title.
(C) MOONTON Games
“Wala namang pressure, ine-enjoy lang namin ‘yung game eh. ‘Di namin masyadong pine-pressure ‘yung sarili namin,” said the 19-year-old former MSC MVP.
Ynot shared that the team would spend their three-day break addressing any remaining concerns before the grand finals, where they will face either Team Liquid or the winner of the Selangor-Team Spirit lower bracket semifinals.
“I mean, it wouldn’t be a break, to be honest. It’s not as if we’re going to head back to the hotel and tomorrow we’re off to KL (Kuala Lumpur) to explore the sights and sounds of Malaysia. How I wish that were the case,” said the former Smart Omega coach.
“Again, we’re not here for a vacation. We’re here to prove that we’re the best team.”
