ESPORTS

Onic decodes Blacklist, hands defending champs first loss in MPL PH S8

After a dominant six-week run, Blacklist International's undefeated streak was snapped by Onic Philippines via a 2-0 sweep as the latter solidified its playoff bid in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) Philippines Season 8 on Sunday.

It looked like Onic was well-prepared for their showdown as they breezed through the Season 7 champs in Game 1 and came out on top of pivotal clashes in Game 2.

Onic now has 25 points after 12 matches while Blacklist suffered from their first season loss after putting together an 11-game winning streak over a six-week stretch.

The Paquito and Selena picks seem to be the counters that Onic needed to disrupt Blacklist's jungle leading to the impressive sweep.

Onic quickly pulled ahead in Game 1 after a Level 4 power spike on Kairi “Kairi” Rayosdelsol (Paquito) as they established a 3k gold lead by the 4th minute on the back of a 4-2 kill spread. Kairi was already 1-0-3 at that  point.

The two-time MPL runners-up continued with their early game aggression and was successful in disrupting Blacklist, taking all three turtle buffs and the lord by the 9th minute.

A 4-2 exchange in the 14th minute helped Onic take the opening, 1-0, as they completely dismantled Blacklist all-game-long. Kairi led the way with a dominant 10-0-5 KDA.

It looked like a rubber match was on the way when Onic suffered from a 3-0 wipe after taking the lord but a successful defensive stand in the base turret that led to a 2-0 counter turned the tables around once again.

Kairi (Paquito) then had to clutch steal the lord in the 15th minute that helped Onic score a 4-1 exchange in the ensuing play to complete the sweep.

Despite the loss, Blacklist still leads the rankings and is assured of a spot in the playoffs as a Top 2 finisher together with Onic.

—JMB, GMA News