Blacklist International absorbs reverse sweep vs. Korean foe in HOK Invitational S3 semis

Blacklist International lost steam after taking a commanding lead and absorbed a heartbreaking 4-3 loss against South Korea's Nongshim RedForce in the semifinals of Honor of Kings Invitational Season 3 on Friday at SM North EDSA. 

The Filipino bets were already a win away from booking a coveted seat in the championship round with a 3-0 series upper hand, but dropped four consecutive games as the Koreans marched on to the finals set on Saturday. 

Blacklist International thus bowed out of contention as the knockout round features a single-elimination format, leaving host Philippines without a representative in the finals. 

Nongshim RedForce, meanwhile, will duke it out in the finals against Nova Esports of Malaysia. 

Before the match, Blacklist International was spotless after going 2-0 in the group stage before beating Impunity of Myanmar in the quarterfinals with a convincing 4-2 victory to set up with a semifinals duel against the Koreans. 

Blacklist International then started hot in the semis with a massive 3-0 series advantage with clash laner Chammy Paul "Chammy1" Nazarrea taking the MVP honor in Game 3, unleashing three kills and eight assists on his Dharma as they moved on the verge of securing a finals ticket. 

However, Nongshim RedForce regrouped and upset the home bets to set up a finals date with the Malaysians. 

Nongshim RedForce was also the same team that gave the boot to another Philippine representative Elevate, which they defeated in the quarterfinals with a 4-3 victory. 

—JKC, GMA Integrated News