RSG PH escapes vs. Echo in 5-game thriller

RSG PH celebrates after beating Echo in a five-match classic. MPL PH

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—After an instant classic, the kings of Southeast Asia shocked the reigning world champions.

RSG Slate Philippines prevailed against Echo in their MPL Philippines playoff series that lasted the full five games on Friday night at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay.

John Tuazon once again pulled off the deciding play for RSG PH, this time showing his mastery of Lancelot in Game 4 before conniving with Nathzz Estrologo to take the Lord in the end as they sent the series to a Game 5 after going down 1-2.

With its confidence revived, RSG PH closed out Echo in Game 5 to seal a date with Blacklist International in the upper bracket finals on Saturday.

The winner of the RSG PH-Blacklist tie will move on to the grand finals on Sunday night and secure a spot in the MSC, which RSG PH is the reigning champ

Meanwhile, it was a tough break for Echo, which failed to complete a gentleman's sweep after taking Games 2 and 3 following a Game 1 loss.

Now, Echo and Bren Esports, which scored outright upper bracket semifinal seats for taking the top two spots after the regular season, will now have to fight each other in the lower bracket semis also on Saturday.

Instead of disputing for the championship and just enjoy their places in MSC, both Echo and Bren will fight for survival.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno