BLACKLIST INTERNATIONAL rampaged through in a new and recoded form, pulling off a decisive sweep against Omega Esports in the opening day of the MPL Philippines Season 14 playoffs at the Green Sun Hotel in Makati City.
Blacklist International’s prowess and confidence were on full display to kick off their playoff stint with a bang, proving that they are also contenders to the crown that should not be underestimated.
Smart Omega attempted to pull surprises up their sleeves, with a Miya pick as an example, but Blacklist International remained unstoppable to ultimately clinch the victory.
“Dapat the other way around, mas namroblema sila sa mga ipi-pick natin compared sa tayo yung namomroblema sa mga ipi-pick nila. Dapat dun pa lang sa [draft phase], nakuha mo yung mga main hero mo dapat yung kabila yung problemado. Ganun dapat yung mindset. Wala dapat tayong kakatakutan regardless kung ano man kung may pocket strat man sila or comfort pick man yung nakakuha nila,” coach Kristoffer “Bon Chan” Ricaplaza said, conditioning the team to be unscathed.
“Parang pabor nga sa amin tingin ko kasi parang ano yung line-up namin parang kung ako yung Miya parang mahihirapan ako sobra. Kasi yung line-up namin ang lakas mang-run down tapos pinilit pa nila yung Miya,” Blacklist gold laner Kiel ‘Oheb” Soriano expressed, pointing out the edge of Blacklist’s draft over Smart Omega in the opening game.
More surprises await
The stakes could not get higher in the playoffs, but Blacklist International knows how they play their cards right, preparing even for the direst scenarios in their face off against their rivals.
“Madami talaga kaming naka-reserve na composition just in case na umabot ng game five. Kahit umabot ng game five, prepared kami doon,” coach Bon Chan explained.
Looking back, Blacklist International endured a rocky regular season, but they are now taking one step at a time in their playoff contention.
“Para sa akin gusto ko bigyan ng credit sa lahat ng success dito yung coaches namin, grabe yung hard work nila, and of course yung players. Kasi grabe yung sacrifices and dedication nila dito,” Julius "Banoobs" Mariano said, giving credit to everyone for playing their part in the success of Blacklist International against Smart Omega.
Blacklist International got each other's back even if it meant shielding each other from the cruel comments that might tear down their morale.
“Naalala ko din naman yung sinabi sa akin ni MP noon na, 'Salamat sa pagtangke sa bash.' Kasi grabe rin yung yung nagsa-start ka ng chemistry hanggang sa nabuo mo, hindi na sila yung pinofocusan ng mga bashers. Everything happens for a reason,” Banoobs said.
“Sa lahat na nangyayari na pinagdaanan namin lahat, na break namin yung barrier para malabas yung full potential nung team, which is sobrang proud ako kasi walang naging pasaway dun sa team lahat kami pumuso,” he added, pouring their hearts out in the hard-fought journey.
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