MLBB: Team Falcons PH opens MSC redemption bid with sweep of Chinese club

The Philippines' Team Falcons shrugged off a slow start before pulling off a 2-0 win against Guangzhou Gaming to mark its 2026 Mid-Season Cup (MSC) redemption tour on Wednesday in Paris.

Team Falcons, which is eager to bounce back after a heartbreaking finals loss during the 2024 edition, fell behind early in Game 1 but eventually got its rhythm to secure the sweep victory.

With the win, Team Falcons will advance to the upper bracket semifinals and will only need one more victory to secure a playoff spot. Guangzhou Gaming, which features Filipino gold laner Cymond "Cy" Torres, dropped to the lower bracket and moved on cusp of an early exit.

"We already felt that loss and we're gonna use that experience in this tournament," exp laner David "Flap" Canon said in the post-game interview.

Although that finals loss is now behind them, Team Falcons still encountered a rusty start this time as they marked their return to the international stage.

Guangzhou Gaming opened Game 1 with an early 6-2 kill spread as Chinese jungler Recall punished the Philippine team with his Nolan, securing two of the first three Turtle objectives.

Team Falcons then turned the tides at the 11th minute mark when Michael "Kyle" Sayson (Ling) secured the first Lord, allowing the Filipinos to pressure all three lanes and tear down four turrets.

The MPL Philippines powerhouse then capitalized on another crucial objective after Guangzhou Gaming's jungler was caught defending in the top lane, giving Team Falcons a free second Lord. With the major objective secured, the Filipinos marched down the bottom lane to begin their final siege.

Gold laner Marco "Super Marco" Requitiano (Brody) sealed the comeback with two separate double kills, helping Team Falcons wipe out the Chinese side and seal Game 1.

Guangzhou Gaming once again proved its caliber in Game 2 with Recall using Hirara on the jungle and securing all three Turtles.

However, Team Falcons captured the first Lord before Flap (Sora) used the Shifting Skies to set up a crucial four-man pick-off at the 15th minute and the sweep.

—JKC, GMA News