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| Team Liquid introduced itself to the global women's MLBB scene with a statement sweep. Moonton |
MANILA--Filipino clubs Team Liquid and NaVi Philippines quickly imposed their will to open the MLBB Women's Invitational on Tuesday at the SNB Esports Arena in Riyadh.
Liquid was the first to notch a win, sweeping Chinese opponent Tidal Legends Gaming, 2-0, in Group B.
Despite featuring rookies in their lineup, Liquid displayed the poise and discipline of seasoned veterans.
Game 1 was all Liquid from the start; a crowd control-heavy draft allowed them to dominate every skirmish, locking down objectives and snowballing their early-game lead.
Gold laner Clarisse "CLA" Owari was unstoppable on Granger, racking up two triple kills before 9 minutes as Liquid rolled to a dominant Game 1 win.
Game 2 began similarly, with Liquid drawing first blood through sharp early-game coordination, but TLG responded with grit, winning key mid-game fights to keep themselves in the game.
Alas, the momentum did not last as Liquid regained control with decisive macro play and crisp teamfights. Liquid closed out the sweep in a strong opening statement, with Owari earning the Day 1 MVP honors.
NaVi PH, on the other hand, began its world title defense with a similar 2-0 shutout against CFU Serendipity in a Group C clash.
NaVi PH avenged its heartbreaks against CFU last year in both the MWI and the IESF World Championships Southeast Asian Qualifiers with the commanding sweep.
"Iniisip po namin na gusto naming makabawi sa CFU, kaya ginandahan po namin yung laro kanina," Mery "Meraaay" Vivero said after the match.
Vivero, though, added that the team wants to beat CFU once more, this time in the phase that matters more, the knockout rounds.
"Sana makatapat po namin sila uli sa ibang tournaments at dito sa playoffs," Vivero further said.
NaVi PH can formally clinch a playoff spot on Wednesday if it beats Terror Queens in the second round of the group phase.
Liquid can enter the quarterfinals outright as well with a win against NaVi Malaysia also on Wednesday.
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