Smart Omega, Aurora score wins in MPL PH opener

MANILA: Aurora Gaming introduced itself to the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) community on a high note, sweeping Blacklist International, 2-0, in the highly-anticipated nightcap of the MPL Philippines Season 14 opening day festivities on Friday at the Green Sun Hotel Activity Center in Makati City. Following significant pre-game drama, Aurora, whose core is made up of former Blacklist members, emerged dominant over the current Blacklist quintet, which interestingly activated their young players for opening night. A far cry from the expected early fireworks, both teams took it slowly in Game 1 with no player kill tallied within the first 10 minutes. However, two kills during the first Lord fight sparked Aurora's endgame brilliance even as a 5-0 sweep of the second Lord clash sealed Blacklist's fate in Game 1. Both teams became more aggressive in Game 2, but Aurora's experience proved to be too much over Blacklist's youthful energy. Aurora, known for its PC gaming arms, joined Smart Om ega at the top of the early MPL Philippines leaderboard after Night 1. Smart Omega spoiled Caisam Nopueto's much-anticipated debut as head coach and swept TNC, 2-0, in the very first game of the season. Keeping the lineup that finished their campaign last season, Smart Omega opened its bid for unfinished business strongly by dominating TNC, which underwent yet another retooling highlighted by Nopueto's arrival. Source: Philippines News Agency