It was a bittersweet victory for Duane “Kelra” Pillas as Omega Esports advanced to the lower bracket finals at the expense of Onic Philippines and close pal Marky “Markyyy” Capacio.
The star gold laner was even emotional after the game as he approached Markyyy and the rest of Onic players after the neat 3-0 sweep.
Kelra actually wanted to meet Onic PH in the Grand Finals so both of them can represent the country in the MLBB Southeast Asia Cup in June but since they both lost in their respective upper bracket match, only one between them can advance to the next round.
“Una sinabi ko nag so-sorry ako kasi nalaglag namin sila tapos po gusto ko po kasi talaga namin kami yung mag katapat sa finals, kami yung lumipad sa MSC e kaso ayun nalaglag kami parehas sa lower,” said Kelra recalling what he told Markyy who he looked up to as a big brother after the game.
“Kaya sorry po ako nang sorry kay Markyyyyy, yakap yakap ko po kasi naiiyak po talaga ako,” said the 17-year-old star player.
The relationship between the top gold laners of the league actually goes way back, even before they were put in the bright lights of the professional league. The two were teammates in the WORK amateur team back then together with fellow Omega player Remar “Hito” Candoy.
“Sobrang magkaclose po kami ni Markyy kasi two years ko po yata siya kateammate tapos halos siya pong yung naging kuya at nagpalakas sa akin,” said Kelra.
“Lagi niya akong tinuturuan nung magkakami pa kami. Lagi niya akong tinuturuan kung anong gagawin, basta dun po ako talagang natutong mag-ML,” he added.
Kelra though got the better of Markyyy in their personal matchup with Omega gold laner putting up a series-long brilliance highlighted by his 7-0-0 and 11-2-1 KDAs on his Beatrix in Games 2 and 3.
With the Omega advancing to the lower bracket finals, it kept its goal to represent the country in the MSC and defend their crown alive. The last year’s MSC champions however will have to earn it against the loser of the TNC and RSG PH upper bracket match.