 |
| Photo from MPL Philippines / Richard Esguerra |
by Drew Malihan
QUEZON CITY - RSG Philippines make quick work of Smart Omega as they claim their upper bracket semifinals spot in a sweep in MPL Philippines Season 12 playoffs Wednesday.
The Raiders claimed their second win against the Barangay, who they shared a 1-1 head-to-head record before the elimination game.
Veteran midlaner Arvie "Aqua" Antonio led the Raiders in the first game with a 3/2/8 outing from his Lylia in a 11-to-8 victory against Smart Omega.
Eman "EMANN" Sangco claimed four kills and six assists with the Irithel while Patrick "E2MAX" Caidic claimed three kills and four assists in the Novaria but in a losing effort, as Duane "Kelra" Pillas fell four times, the highest among all players.
John Darry "Irrad" Tuazon dominated the jungling department in the second game with a 7/0/4 outing with the Fanny, while Aqua's Valentina registered five kills and six assists in less than 15 minutes of the game.
Ron Matthew "Matt_" Papag's jungler X.Borg did not do well against RSG in the second game, claiming only two assists while falling down four times, mostly coming off from invades from the opponent's Fancy to invade and steal purple and orange buffs.
The Raiders went almost perfect in the third game as they grabbed a 11-1 outing against the Barangay, this time it was Nathanael "Nathzz" Estrologo's Paquito who stole the show with four kills and five assists, while Irrad's Fredrinn's assisted all but one RSG kills while securing two turtles and the sole lord of the game.
Nowee "Ryota" Macasa and Joshua "Ch4knu" Mangilog didn't have the best of days as they fell down seven times and only assisted one in less than 13 minutes of game play.
With the win, RSG books the final Filipino team spot for the ONE Esports MPL Invitational, as well as a match against second-seeded AP.Bren on Thursday.
Meanwhile, this is the third straight first-round exit for the Barangay, with the last one they moved past round one was a finals run in Season 9, only falling to the Raiders.
Follow him on X: @drew_corner
.jpg)
