Team Liquid, Aurora clash in heavyweight opener of MPL PH Season 17

A blockbuster matchup will kick off the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League Philippines (MPL PH) Season 17 as Team Liquid faces Aurora in a heavyweight clash to open the new edition on March 20 at the Victoria Sports Tower.

Two-time defending champion Team Liquid will finally get to unleash its Indonesian import Sultan "Aeronnshikii" Muhammad, who will reinforce an intact roster led by jungler Karl "KarlTzy" Nepomuceno. 

Also returning for Team Liquid are midlaner Alston "Sanji" Pabico, exp laner Sanford "Sanford" Vinuya, and roamer Jaypee "Jaypee" Dela Cruz as they look to retain the title despite the absence of Kiel "Oheb" Soriano. 

Oheb has recently announced he's taking an indefinite break from the MLBB scene.

Aurora, meanwhile, didn't tweak its roster as it hopes to build on the momentum from a dominant title run at the M7 World Championships last January. 

Aurora will still be bannered by exp laner Edward "Edward" Dapadap, jungler Jonard "Demonkite" Caranto, Kenneth "Yue" Tadeo, Jan "Domengkite" Del Mundo, and M6 Finals MVP Dylan "Light" Catipon. 

Aurora and Team Liquid open a brand new campaign as they lock horns on March 20 at 5 p.m., followed by the clash between Onic and Twisetd Minds. 

Onic has also tapped an Indonesian import in Clayton "Savero" Kuswanto, who will replace decorated gold laner Duane "Kelra" Pillas.

Savero will join jungler Cyric "K1NGKONG" Perez, roamer Borris "Brusko" Parro, exp laner Jann "Kirk" Guttierez, and midlaner Frince "Super Frince" Ramirez. 

—JMB, GMA Integrated News