ESPORTS

Blacklist escapes BTK, arranges all-Filipino MLBB M3 World Championship grand finals

Blacklist International successfully avenged their upper bracket loss but not before enduring lengthy tense moments against North America's Blood Thirsty Kings (BTK), 3-1, to arrange a grand finals date across compatriots Onic Philippines in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang M3 World Championship on Saturday.

The MPL PH champions had to weather the BTK storm, who recovered from a 0-2 deficit and almost extended the series into a do-or-die Game 5 before Salik "Hadji" Imam's clutch display in the endgame settled the series in one fell swoop.

BTK showed up early in Game 1, taking a 4-0 kill lead by the 4th minute courtesy of Victor's superb set ups on the Way of the Dragon.

But Blacklist started to make their move in the 7th minute via a 2-0 wipe that led to a turtle take and two outer turrets for the gold swing.

It was virtually a tactical game the rest of the way with Blacklist successful in choking up BTK's map and Edward Jay “Edward.” Dapadap (Paquito) flanking Michael "MobaZane" Cosgun (Granger) for the pick off that pushed them for the opening game, 1-0.

Contrary to the previous game, Blacklist was able to impose their will early in Game 2 courtesy of Hadji's (Chou) excellent set-ups with the Way of the Dragon, picking off MobaZane (Granger) three times as he posted a 3-0-3 KDA by the 7th minute.

Despite the net worth lead and map control, BTK was able to push back the Filipinos' aggression leading to a pick off on Hadji but Blacklist turned a disadvantageous 4v5 lord fight into a superb 4-1 turnaround in the 15th minute to reach match point, 2-0.

With their backs against the wall, BTK relied on MobaZane's Roger in Game 3 in an effort to extend the series.

And he responded splendidly with a 13-2-2 KDA, including a crucial double kill in a lengthy 18th minute clash that helped them secure the luminous lord and take Game 3, 2-1.

It was another close Game 4 with BTK taking the early game before Blacklist came back in the midgame to take the upper hand.

The game though reached the late game with Hadji (Grock) playing the bait role in the 25th minute as his Wild Charge provided a good set-up for three BTK members leading to Johnmar “OhMyV33nus” Villaluna (Yve) and Danerie James “Wise.” Del Rosario (Aldous) to sweep the low HP enemy heroes.

The ensuing clash resulted in a wipeout as Blacklist completed an all-Filipino grand finals.

—JMB, GMA News