Bennyqt, Aura PH torch NXP to solidify hold of group lead in MPL-PH

Benedict "Bennyqt" Gonzales continued his stellar performance as Aura PH made short work of Nexplay Esports, 2-0, to remain atop of its group in the MPL Philippines Season 7 on Sunday, May 2. 

Coming off a monstrous effort with Wanwan in Aura's 2-1 win over reigning MPL and world king Bren Esports, Bennyqt showed his versatile gold lane gameplay with his Kagura taking over in the closeout Game 2. 

Bennyqt racked up a 9-2-9 kill-death-assist record and produced a brilliant outplay against John Paul "H2wo" Salonga's Harley and Renejay "RENEJAY" Barcarse to fend off NXP's comeback bid in the 12th minute. 

The ex-Execration star then capped off Aura's sweet sweep with a triple kill in a 4-for-1 exchange en route to a 25-14 demolition in 14 minutes. 

It was core-turned-tank Jaypee "Jaypee" Dela Cruz's Chou and jungler Mark "LORD HADESS" Lazaro's Granger who fueled Aura's aggression in Game 1 and repeatedly denied H2wo's Ling of his purple buff. 

NXP showed some signs of life with H2wo stealing the Luminous Lord in the 16th minute but that was just to prolong their agony as Aura kept its championship composure in the late game. 

Hadess secured the third Luminous Lord while Chan "Rafflesia" Fajura's Barats stifled the segway attempt of H2wo and Renejay's Benedetta to seal the 22-minute 21-11 triumph. 

Aura grabbed the solo Group A lead for the meantime with 19 points on a 7-2 win-loss record, with Work Auster Force shooting for a sweep against Execration at posting time for the share of the lead anew. 

NXP saw its three-win streak snapped and dropped to 4-6 though it stayed at No. 3 ahead of Execration for now with its 13 points.