Two-time reigning champion Aura PH thrashed Blacklist International, 2-0, even as Smart Omega also scored a similar sweep against Cignal Ultra for a playoff seat in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Pro League-Philippines (MPL-PH) Season 6 on Saturday night.
Ashley “Killuash” Cruz showed up big time in the hard-fought Game 1 before the playoff-bound Aura made quick work of Blacklist in Game 2 to remain atop Group A with 21 points.
Formerly known as Sunsparks, the powerhouse squad took an early advantage in the series opener but Blacklist was able to claw its way back with Kairi “FULLCLIP” Rayosdelsol’s Roger and Edward “EDWARD” Dapadap’s Cecilion scaling up in the late game.
While Blacklist was taking the Lord after a successful team fight, Killuash on his Thamuz unleashed a split-push at the bottom and went straight for the throne to end the game in more than 20 minutes.
It was captain Chan “Rafflesia” Faura’s turn to spotlight in the second game as his Jawhead made Aura’s crucial pick-offs on Blacklist’s cores possible, leading to an easy victory in just 13 minutes.
Blacklist remained tied with Execration at No. 2 with 14 points each.
Earlier, Smart Omega kept its momentum going from its stunning sweep over erstwhile unbeaten Bren Friday to steal the Group B top spot with 22 points and post a 10-game winning streak.
Adrian “Toshi” Caballo’s Esmeralda and Jeniel “Haze” Bata-anon’s Pharsa provided the magic burst to secure the team fight victories for Omega in Game 1.
The effort allowed Salic “Hadjizy” Imam’s Roger to overcome an early struggle to dish out the damage in midgame.
Toshi remained a steady force in Game 2 with his Freya as he tanked the damage in team fights along with Jankurt “KurtTzy” Matira’s Thamuz.
Omega’s “Triple H” combination of Hadjizy (Ling), Haze (Chang’e) and EJ “Heath” Esperanza (Jawhead) also made big plays to close out the series. Cignal stayed at No. 4 in Group B with 10 points.