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| Photo from MPL Philippines |
by Drew Malihan
MAKATI - Defending champions ECHO adds one to their win column as they sweep Smart Omega in a highly-anticipated match to close Day 1 of Week 3 of MPL Philippines Season 12, Friday.
Patrick "E2MAX" Caidic was brought to the main five, replacing Carlito "Ribo" Ribo, Jr. who was part of the lineup who fell to Blacklist International the last time.
The defending champs displayed a 10-4 domination in Game 1 as they control the map for much of the game and losing just one turret to Omega.
Andrew "Andoryuuu" Flora's pocket Guinevere pick went to naught, with Karl Gabriel "KarlTzy" Nepomuceno winning the jungle battle while Alston "Sanji" Pabico and Jaypee "Jaypee" dela Cruz provided much needed assists in pickoffs.
It was Sanji's Valentina who was hailed the first game MVP with two kills and six assists, while Jaypee's Angela contributed to all ten ECHO kill score.
ECHO repeated their performance in Game 2 with a 13-5 outing, but Omega up their map control from Game 1 as they grabbed a crucial third lord of the game thanks to Andoryuuu's Lancelot, but wasn't put to much use as the Orcas decimated it with ease.
Jaypee's Franco made crucial hooks, including one to E2MAX's Novaria to make Omega retreat, and predicted Duane "Kelra" Pillas' Claude's use of the Battle Mirror Image for Sanji to pin him down to claim the sweep victory.
The midlaner claimed another MVP nod with 4/1/6 KDA from the Valentina, while participating to 77% of all ECHO pickoffs.
ECHO will try to preserve their unbeaten run against TNC Pro Team on Saturday, the second of their three Week 2 matches, with Omega battling the same opponent on Sunday.
Follow him on X: @drew_corner
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