MPL Season 17: Unbeaten Team Liquid surges to solo lead amid internal issues

Two-time defending champion Team Liquid remained unscathed in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) Philippines Season 17, going spotless through four games despite internal issues.

The Cavalry dealt Team Falcons its first loss with a 2-1 victory last Saturday before carving out a similar 2-1 win over AP. Bren to improve to 4-0 and become the only unbeaten squad in the tournament.

Team Liquid started off slow against Team Falcons after dropping the opening game, but jungler Karl "KarlTzy" Nepomuceno presided over in Game 2 by unleashing seven kills and five assists on Harley to equalize the series. Exp laner Sanford "Sanford" Vinuya then took charge in Game 3, unloading 12 kills and eight assists on Benedetta to complete the reverse sweep.

Team Liquid suffered another Game 1 loss in their clash with AP. Bren on Sunday, but the decorated club showed poise with roamer Jaypee "Jaypee" Dela Cruz shining in the crucial Game 3.

Jaypee struck Denniel "Nova" Gomez (Hilda) with Chou's Way of the Dragon at the 10th minute, helping KarlTzy (Fredrinn) secure the Lord objective without any resistance from AP. Bren. Team Liquid then leveraged the Lord to push down the middle lane, ultimately closing out the battle.

What are Team Liquid's issues?

The two victories saw Team Liquid emerge on top of the team standings even amid internal issues and another roster shake-up.

A day before returning to action, Team Liquid announced that it is changing its gold laner by promoting rookie Dave "Teddy" Viaña from its MDL squad to the MPL stage. He replaced Kim “Daiki” Sebanes, who suited up in their first two games against Aurora Gaming and Twisted Minds last week.

Initially, Team Liquid introduced Indonesian import Sultan "Aeronnshikii" Muhammad as their next gold laner following the exit of Kiel "Oheb" Soriano, but the club said in a recent post that Aeronnshikii has left the bootcamp due to pending administrative requirements. 

In addition, Team Liquid revealed that it is pursuing legal action against Oheb following an alleged breach of contract, after he resigned just days before the roster lock-in. 

READ MORE | Oheb transfers to Honor of Kings after illustrious MLBB career

—JMB, GMA Integrated News