Blacklist sweeps Omega in playoffs opener, keeps title retention bid alive

Blacklist International kept its title defense bid alive after sweeping Smart Omega, 3-0, in the opening round of the MPL Philippines Season 11 playoffs on Thursday at the SMX Convention Centre in Pasay City.

The defending champions will now advance to the upper bracket, where the job won't be getting any easier as they will take on top seed Bren Esports in another best-of-five affair.

Longtime EXP laner Edward Jay "Edward" Dapadap showed the way in the first two games for the M3 world champions, unleashing two kills and five assists against no death in Game One with his Joy as Blacklist secured the win with a 14-6 kill spread.

The first game also witnessed Danerie James "Wise" Rosario use a surprise Lancelot pick, completing a crucial Lord steal before Edward put on the finishing kick.

Edward also led the charge in Game Two with the 18-year-old ace going for Arlott and punishing Omega with a 3-2-8 KDA line as they eked out a 14-10 victory and move on the verge of a sweep.

Blacklist then leaned on Johnmar "OhMyV33nus" Villaluna come the crucial Game Three as the seasoned roamer churned out 18 assists and one kill on Mathilda while incurring no death in almost 20 minutes of action.

—MGP, GMA Integrated News