Rey BelenBeing a Filipino, I have mixed emotions with the result of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang MSC 2023’s Knockout Games Day 3, as only one PHL delegates got through, Blacklist International, while Echo fell short of the best of 5 series vs Onic Indonesia.
First Series: Blacklist International vs Burn X Flash
Blacklist International is no stranger to the biggest stage of Mobile Legends international tournament. Being on their 2nd MSC finals, Blacklist International showed what it takes to get to the grand finals, as they dominated Burn X Flash 3-1.
While Burn X Flash put up great sequences in the series, undoubtedly, it was the experience of Blacklist International the proved to be more than enough for the Cambodian-representatives.
In Game 1, during the last minutes of the game, Burn X Flash had a glimpse of what could be a game winning sequence on a 4v2 clash on Blacklist’s base. However, Yue (Valentina) and OhMyV33nus (Novaria) were too much to handle for BXF as the two BLCK’s outmaneuvered the four BXF’s to their downfalls.
While Game 2 was a different story in favor of Burn X Flash, the final two games were heavily leaning towards the PHL-representatives.
According to Burn X Flash’ Chma, it was a learning opportunity for them to fight against BLCK. Going up against an experienced champion team, BLCK, BXF learned to be patient, not to rush on things, that can swing momentums in an instant.
BLCK’s OhMyV33nus said that they are ready for anyone who will come out of the series between Onic and Echo, as both are “better” than BLCK.
Second Series: ECHO vs ONIC Indonesia
On the second series, it was a huge victory for Onic Indonesia, as they swept the MPL-PH Champs, Echo, in their best of 5 series matchup. Echo had virtually no answer to CW’s onslaught with Melissa, and the sets of Kiboy’s Khufa on Game 3.
One pivotal moment in the series matchpoint was the outplay of Kiboy’s Khufra on Echo’s 3 players. (KarlTzy – Fredrinn, Sanji – Valentina and Bennyqt’s Bea) on 20-minute marker of Game 3. Kiboy’s combination of Tyrant’s revenge and Tyrant’s Rage, put Bennyqt in front of Onic’s base that resulted to Bennyqt’s demise.
BennyQT’s Bea was always hunted down by Khura (Kiboy) and Butts (Joy) in Game 3, making him out of position in several occasions, resulting to deaths during crucial moments.
Game 3 of the series was recorded as the longest game on MSC 2023 at 39:51.
Onic attributed the addition of Coach Adi to the team that paved way for the improvement of the team. Coach Yeb said that the players are always on the highest level of playing, it is the responsibility of the coaches to put them in a more winnable situation.
Echo’s Kairi (Lancelot) showed his prowess micro mechanics as he was so elusive in many clashes against fellow FIlipino pro-ML players and even outplaying almost the whole Echo squad in near-death situations, similar to what he did in M4 using his Hayabusa.
With the result, it will be Philippine’s Blacklist International vs Indonesia’s Onic – the two of the top countries in the pro Mobile Legends community, to fight it off in the finals tomorrow at Aeon Mall Mean Chey, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. They will be vying for the 1st place in the coveted MSC 2023 Finals with a prize of USD 140,000 (1st place) and USD 60,000 going to the second placer.
Third Series: Echo vs Burn X Flash
Coming from their series setbacks within the day, Mobile Legends Bang Bang enthusiasts didn’t get disappointed as the Echo and Burn X Flash maxed out each other in the best-of-five series for third place.
It was a seesaw battle between the M4 World Champions and the hometown favorites.
Echo edged BFX in game 5 with their aggressive gameplays and executions, even if BFX took the series lead 2-1.
Echo showed the heart of the champions as they continued to push through and win third place even after a emotionally and psychologically draining sweep versus Onic.
Rey Belen
