Super rookie Duane "Kelra" Pillas went ham in the deciding game as Execration took down fierce rival Nexplay Esports, 2-1, in their first duel in the MPL Philippines Season 7 on Thursday night, April 15.
Kelra on his Khaleed took over in Game 3 as he came through with nine kills and seven assists against two deaths to power Execration's 25-16 victory in 16 minutes.
Kelra previously said in an episode of MPL Philippines' Rise of Legends that he considers NXP's gold lane counterpart Renejay "RENEJAY" Barcarse as his rival due to their sour encounter in a ranked game.
And the 16-year-old pride of Muntinlupa got his revenge against the 18-year-old standout from Bataan in their first meeting on the MPL stage.
Billy "Z4pnu" Alfonso's crew also drew first blood against the boys of Setsuna "Dogie" Ignacio this Season 7 wherein the two were slated to face twice in the group stage.
Execration improved to six points and forged a three-way tie with Smart Omega and NXP at No. 2 behind unbeaten leader Blacklist International in Group B.
Exe also snapped a two-game losing skid inflicted by Blacklist International and Bren Esports prior to the long break.
The "Double K" connection of Kiel VJ "Kielvj' Hernandez on his Lancelot and Kelra on his Harith fueled Execration's 11-minute 12-5 win in Game 1.
Joshua "Ch4knu" Mangilog's Chou also stepped up with big-time initiations and a three-man knock up with the Jeet Kune Do to stylishly punctuate the win.
But Tristan "Yawi" Cabrera's Jawhead proved to be the unstoppable force for NXP to equalize the series with a 12-minute 19-5 romp in Game 2 only to lose in the do-or-die match.