Top-seeded Aurora Gaming had to dig deep to survive the upset scare of TNC Pro Team, 3-2, in the MPL Philippines Season 16 playoffs on Thursday at the Cuneta Astrodome.
Aurora, which ended the regular season on a 13-game winning streak, extended its unbeaten run to advance to the upper bracket finals against defending champion Team Liquid, which earlier swept Onic in their own bracket.
Aurora, who has yet to drop a game since absorbing a 0-2 loss to Team Falcons on the opening day back in August 22, was given a huge test by the resurgent TNC.
For a team who failed to make the playoffs for the past six seasons, TNC made sure to put on a show this time with longtime roamer Joshua “Ch4knu” Mangilog leading the way in Game 4 with three kills and nine assists on Khaleed as they forced a decider.
TNC also managed to stage defense that stopped Aurora Gaming’s base siege alongside the Lord at the 13th minute mark of Game 5.
Aurora prevailed in the succeeding team clash with jungler Jonard “Demonkite” Caranto picking off three enemy heroes on his Hayabusa en route to the tower lock.
Kenneth “Yue” Tadeo claimed the MVP honors with his signature pick Cecillio, whose Bats Feast during that last clash proved pivotal in the victory.
Aurora Gaming now faces a tougher test in Team Liquid, who’s looking to be back in its deadly form after finishing third in the regular season.
Aurora and Team Liquid slugs it out in the upper bracket finals on Friday, where the winner will not only seal the first championship slot, but will also book one of the two tickets to the M7 World Championship in January.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News