Neon tightens grip of solo lead, TNC outlasts T1 for third spot in DPC-SEA


BEYOND GODLIKE - Erin "Yopaj" Ferrer leads Neon Esports past Execration, 2-1, to remain undefeated atop the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC)-Southeast Asia upper division on Saturday night, Feb. 6. (Photo from Neon Esports' Facebook page)

Erin "Yopaj" Ferrer's Ember Spirit waxed hot in the decisive Game 3 as Neon Esports downed Execration, 2-1, to remain unscathed atop the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC)-Southeast Asia upper division on Saturday night, Feb. 6.

Yopaj on his Ember Spirit went "beyond godlike" in Game 3, coming through with 14 kills and 13 assists against zero deaths to power Neon's 35-6 crushing of Execration in just 22 and a half minutes.

(Photo from PFL livestream)

The squad in black and yellow solidified its Singapore Major bid midway through the six-week league as it cruised to four wins in as many series (8-3 win-loss in games) and stayed on top of the eight-team division.

In the second match, TNC Predator kept its Major hopes alive as it survived the Carlo "Kuku" Palad and Karl "Karl" Baldovino-led T1, 2-1, behind Korean captain Kim "Febby" Yong Min's clutch plays on Disruptor.

Febby on his Disruptor made crucial Glimpse back usages to shut down T1's Lao carry Souliya "Jackky" Khoomphetsavong's deadly Phantom Assassin in Game 3 that lasted for 75 minutes.

Jackky didn't save for buyback and was caught off guard by Febby's Glimpse in the final clash, allowing Kim "Gabbi" Santos' Terrorblade and Armel "Armel" Tabios' Ember Spirit to close out the nail-biting game.

With the thrilling victory, TNC moved up to No. 3 with a 2-2 (5-5) record, ahead of T1 with a 2-2 (5-6) slate. At No. 2 is Fnatic with a 2-1 (5-2) card.

Only the top three teams in the upper division will advance to the Singapore Major next month.

(Photo from Neon Esports Facebook page)

Meanwhile, in the lower division, Smart Omega remained No. 1 with a clean 4-0 (8-2) slate followed by fellow Filipino team Cignal Ultra which holds a 3-1 (7-4) record at the end of the Week 3 action.

The top two teams in the lower division will be promoted to the upper division next season.