Debuting Sanford helps Nexplay EVOS take down Omega to secure third spot

Nexplay Evos leaned on the exploits of Sanford "Sanford" Vinuya to pull off a 2-1 squeaker against Omega Esports in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) Philippines Season 8 on Sunday.

NXPE debuted 13-year-old prodigy Sanford (Benedetta) in Game 3 as he scored the first-blood in the match then proceeded with a clutch lord steal in the 10th minute. That touched off a pivotal 4-0 wipe which became the decider of the series, 2-1. He finished with a stellar 2-0-5 KDA.

With the win, NXPE has secured the third spot (23 points) in the playoffs while relegating Omega to 4th place (20 points).

Omega easily stamped their class early in Game 1 and took a 5k gold lead by the 4th minute with a 10-1 kill lead, which they extended to a 10k gold lead on a 20-2 kill spread by the 7th minute for the runaway game.

NXPE surprised their rivals with a five-man flameshot party but proved ineffective as they succumbed by the 12th minute.

Billy "Z4pnu" Alfonso (Franco) made his debut game this season with a 5-0-16 KDA while Dean "Raizen" Sumagui (Hayabusa) finished with a 16-0-5 KDA. Robert "Hito" Candoy (Yve) also provided a solid line with a 3-0-20 KDA.

The MLBB Southeast Asian champs then opted for the feeding Diggie strategy in Game 2 but NXPE just had the answer as they easily cruised to the win and left it to the "winions" to finish the match in the 15th minute.

Setsuna "Dogie" Ignacio (Granger) debuted with a 18-12-15 KDA. Jeniel "YellyHaze" Bata-anon (Aurora) also provided ample support with a 12-1-15 KDA.

—MGP, GMA News