TEAM Liquid PH sent a statement with a 2-1 victory over reigning world champion Aurora Gaming PH, while ONIC Philippines crushed Twisted Minds, 2-1, to kick off MPL Philippines Season 17 on a high note, highlighted by the debut of Indonesian import Clayton “Savero” Kuswanto.
There’s no better way to open the season than with a high-calibre showdown featuring squads with different storylines, but each driven by a hunger for glory.
Let’s revisit the most exciting moments from the opening day of MPL Philippines Season 17.
Clash of the Champions
As defending MPL champion, Team Liquid PH wasted no time asserting its dominance against Aurora Gaming PH, securing a thrilling 2-1 victory.
In Game 1, both teams were neck-and-neck, with nearly equal gold and every move carrying high stakes. The turning point came during a 19-minute clash at the top jungle Lord area when Aurora attempted a wipeout.
Kim “Daiki” Sebanes delivered a perfectly timed Spear of Destruction, picking off Edward “Edward” Dapadap’s Lapu-Lapu and Kenneth “Yue” Tadeo’s Zhuxin. This created the opening Team Liquid needed to close out the game.
Daiki’s impressive MPL debut saw him finish with a 5-1-5 KDA, making a strong early-season statement.
Aurora PH bounced back in Game 2, controlling the map and securing key jungle objectives.
Dominic “Domengkite” Delmundo on Harith dominated the mid-lane fight at 16 minutes, earning the season’s first maniac, while Dylan “Light” Catipon on Grock held the frontlines, earning MVP honors with a 0-3-19 KDA.
Team Liquid retaliated in Game 3 with a swift 11-minute and 48-second finish, thanks to Karl “KarlTzy” Nepomuceno on Suyou, who scored a triple kill during the last siege.
Alston “Sanji” Pabico on Zhuxin powered the team as MVP, finishing with a 5-1-7 KDA to clinch the series.
No Mind Games for ONIC
ONIC Philippines survived Twisted Minds’ challenge with a hard-earned 2-1 victory, and all eyes were on Savero, whose MPL debut exceeded expectations.
Game 1 was a tense, 30-minute battle of mental fortitude. ONIC PH showed composure under pressure, waiting for the right moment to strike.
The decisive play came when Savero’s Yi Sun Shin picked off Lance “Lansu” Misa on Phoveus during a 29-minute mid-lane teamfight.
With Twisted Minds outnumbered, ONIC PH seized the opportunity, with the Lord marching alongside, to push for the victory.
Cyric “K1NGKONG” Perez on Harley contributed a 3-1-4 KDA, further cementing the win.
Game 2 saw Twisted Minds attempt a comeback despite ONIC’s strong performance. Savero on Moskov continued to impress, but Twisted Minds opted for a run down during the 17-minute Lord fight, pushing aggressively while K1NGKONG on Suyou was the only defender left.
Miguel “Sionnn” Alcantara on Valentina turned the tide with a deadly 11-3-7 KDA, securing the victory for ONIC PH.
Another long game unfolded in Game 3 which lasted for more than 19 minutes, but it was ONIC PH that prevailed over Twisted Minds.
K1NGKONG on Leomord was hailed as the MVP with a flawless 7-0-4 KDA.
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