Sibol MLBB heads to Japan after punching Asian Games ticket

The Philippines, widely regarded as a powerhouse in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang scene, will get a chance to chase Asian Games gold after the Sibol MLBB team secured its spot in the quadrennial showpiece.

The Filipinos dominated the qualifiers held in Singapore, posting an impressive 6-1 win-loss record in Group A - Southeast Asia to officially seal their Asian Games spot as MLBB makes its debut in the continental event.

To cap their qualifiers run, the star-studded Sibol team frustrated host Singapore on Sunday.

In a total display of dominance, the Philippines pulled off a one-sided Game 1 victory with exp laner Sanford Vinuya taking charge in a 17-2 kill spread. He dropped seven kills and six assists on the Arlott while jungler Karl Gabriel Nepomuceno posted a spotless KDA of 3/0/8 on his Akai.

Singapore tried to keep pace with the Philippines early in Game 2, but the Filipinos used a 12th minute team clash to take down the enemy heroes one by one. Singapore defended its base, but Sibol secured the next Lord objective before pushing down the middle lane to finish it off in 15 minutes.

Nepomuceno, still using Akai, was named MVP in that Game 2 run after dropping 13 kills and eight assists against just one death.

Previously, Sibol MLBB suffered a surprising setback against Cambodia, which pulled off a 2-1 reverse sweep to hand the Philippines its first—and ultimately only—loss of the qualifiers.

After that loss, Sibol bounced back and vented its ire on Myanmar (2-0) and Vietnam (2-1) before sweeping longtime rival Indonesia with a 2-0 victory.

Aside from Vinuya and Nepomuceno, their fellow Team Liquid members Jaypee dela Cruz and Alston Pabico are also included in the roster, along with Onic's gold laner Duane Pillas.

Sibol is a favorite to win to win the gold medal in the Asian Games after having ruled the MLBB's World Championships for six straight edition.

—JKC, GMA News