MARK JUSTINE “Zaida” Palma comes off the bench and makes an instant impact, powering up Team Liquid Philippines to cap off the first half of the MPL Philippines Season14 regular season with a decisive sweep against Smart Omega on Sunday at the Green Sun Hotel in Makati City.
Team Liquid Philippines was in good hands even in the absence of two-time world champion Karl “KarlTzy” Nepomuceno, as the MDL Season 2 Finals MVP and former ECHO Proud’s jungler, Mark Justine “Zaida” Palma, stepped up to plate and proved to be a reliable asset.
Zaida delivered a commendable performance both on Ling with a 6-3-8 KDA and a 9-1-4 KDA, which resulted in getting the nods from the head coach Harold “TicTac” Reyes and coach Eric “Cyre” Mercader.
“Sobrang nakakatuwa na nakapag perform si Zaida ng sobrang ganda. Overall, lahat nung teammates niya, ‘yung apat nag step up this game against Omega,” Tictac said, commending Zaida along with the Liquid Philippines’ performance against Smart Omega.
“Sobrang confident ni Zaida, talagang pinakita niya ‘yung kung paano niya ginamit ‘yung Ling. Talagang on point halos lahat,” coach Cyre added.
It's all a part of the plan
As Team Liquid Philippines caught Smart Omega off guard with a minor adjustment on their lineup, the Cavalry turned out to be prepared all along to utilize the talent of the young blood.
"Actually, before mag start itong season na ito, kumbaga may plano na kami kay Karl and kay Zaida. Si Karl siya pa rin main [jungler] namin, pero sa umpisa pa lang, pinag-usapan namin na si Zaida i-remind na maging prepared siya, maghanda pa rin, anytime pwede siya [ipasok],” coach Tictac revealed.
Even though the reserve jungler for Liquid Philippines rarely takes center stage, he's definitely making his playing time count and presence felt with the unwavering support of his team.
“Meron pong pressure pero pinapakiramdaman ko po na parang ako lang din ‘yun si Karl na naglalaro sa team namin pag ako ‘yung maglalaro. Masaya lang din talaga ako kanina na nakapag perform kami nang maayos,” Zaida expressed, relieved that his performance had turned out well.
Gearing up for the battle against Smart Omega, KarlTzy got Zaida’s back and shared insightful advice and a moral boost.
“Kanina ang sinabi niya, wag lang akong kabahan at wag ako matakot sa kalaban, galingan ko lang daw,” Zaida mentioned.
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