Team Liquid Secures First MPL PH Season 18 Playoff Spot
Team Liquid PH quickly dispatched Smart Omega with a clean 2-0 sweep to become the first team to secure a spot in the MPL Philippines Season 18 playoffs at the conclusion of Week 5 action at Victoria Sports Tower.
The defending champions endured a grueling three-match week before finally clinching their playoff berth, following a shocking 0-2 sweep at the hands of M7 World Champion Aurora Gaming PH.
The title defense is off to a strong start for Team Liquid PH, who have retained the top seed and put themselves in prime position to secure an upper-bracket advantage as they chase a historic four-peat.
In Game 1, Omega pressured Team Liquid by invading KarlTzy Nolan’s jungle resources, but Sanford’s Minotaur came to the rescue with a timely Minoan Fury, punishing Perkziva’s Kalea during the two-minute bottom-lane jungle clash.
Team Liquid began to pull away after a successful four-minute clash in the top lane, where Sanford’s Minotaur landed a four-man knock-up with the Minoan Fury-Flicker combo, setting up KarlTzy’s Nolan for a double kill.
The Cavalry secured the first win of the series after claiming the 14-minute Lord and chasing Omega down the top lane, where Teddy’s Karrie picked up a double kill before the squad wiped out Omega deep inside their own base.
Jaypee’s Marcel earned the Game 1 MVP award after leading Team Liquid from the front with a 0-4-13 KDA.
Team Liquid continued to ride the momentum in Game 2 as Jaypee’s Minotaur perfectly timed the Minoan Fury-Flicker combo to catch four Omega members, allowing KarlTzy’s Nolan to explode for a double kill in the 10-minute clash.
Despite Smart Omega’s valiant defense, Team Liquid forced its way through during the 19-minute base siege behind Jaypee’s Minoan Fury setup.
Sanji’s Eudora added another layer of crowd-control to Team Liquid’s arsenal, while also providing burst damage, posting a flawless 2-0-9 KDA and 85% kill participation.
Team Liquid stayed atop the standings with an 8-2 record and will resume its campaign in Week 7 after representing the Philippines at the 20th Asian Games.
