SEA GAMES ESPORTS

Sibol's MLBB squad opens title-retention bid with win vs Malaysia

The Sibol Mobile Legends: Bang Bang team opened its title defense campaign with a flawless 2-0 win over Malaysia in their best-of-two clash at the 31st Southeast Asian Games on Wednesday in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Composed of members of the M3 World Champion Blacklist International in Johnmar “OhMyV33nus” Villaluna, Danerie James “Wise” Del Rosario, and Salic “Hadji” Imam, alongside Dominic “Dominic” Soto and Howard “Owl” Gonzales, the Filipinos dominated Malaysia led by pro players from Todak squad.

The first game, which ended with a tied 21-all kill spread, saw the Filipinos struggle early but the tandem of Villaluna and Del Rosario led the way with 1-3-15 and 2-5-9 KDAs, respectively.

Sibol further asserted its dominance in game two, handing the Malaysians a loss to earn three points and sit atop Group A.

The Filipinos are eyeing to retain the title the country won back in 2019.

Sibol will next face Laos at 12 p.m. later before wrapping up the group stage against Myanmar at 8:30 p.m.

—JMB, GMA News