The reigning world titleholders, ONIC Philippines, faced the harsh truth that even champions stumble at times. But what makes a champion a cut above the rest is the commitment to push to greater heights and a new prime form that only a few bothered aspiring to.
“Ayaw ko sabihing bumalik. I think on the way siya sa pag-upgrade, I'd like to think na ina-upgrade ng boys, how they play, how we think in-game. So it's a very good two-match win streak, pero yun nga, again, it's one match at a time. So let's see tomorrow kung it's gonna be the same,” head coach Tony “YnoT” Senedrin said, dismissing the idea that ONIC has regained its previous form.
ONIC Philippines has built a two-match winning streak this season with victories over AP.Bren and Smart Omega, but the Gold Standard, Duane "Kelra" Pillas, sets his sights on the bigger picture.
“Hindi namin [iniisip] yung daan na papunta sa form namin last season. Ayun nga tulad na sabi ni coach, mas ina-upgrade at hinihigitan namin yung form namin last season kaya parang di pa rin kami magiging komportable sa two wins na win streak namin kasi yung gusto namin is medyo kailangan talagang trabahuhin,” Kelra pointed out, leaving no space for complacency and committing to the hard work required to achieve an elite level of excellence.
“Para sa akin kahit naka two win streak kami, hindi pa rin time para maka-feel ng comfort kasi para sa akin kami as a team, kaming buo, madami pa kami kailangan ma-adjust and ma-improve pa lalo para mas maging malinis pa yung laro namin,” Cyric “K1NGKONG” Perez said.
Coming from an undefeated campaign at the M6 World Championship makes it hard to imagine how they can go higher, but one thing's for sure-they are determined to outdo themselves.
“I think we're on our way, pero kami kasi ang expectations namin sa bawat isa not to be the same as we were before. Rest assured, every single day, nakikita ko rin naman sa mga batang ito na they wanna achieve more. They wanna be more than who they were last year, who they were yesterday. So it's a process; it entails more pressure to perform on a daily basis, but I think it's a good start,” coach Ynot said.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
