Just like before.
Team Liquid PH (TLPH) began their Swiss stage maneuver by dismantling Aurora Gaming PH (RORA) in a one-game showdown at the M7 World Championship held at the Tennis Indoor Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia, January 10.
Echoing their encounter in the MPL Philippines 16 Grand Finals, Team Liquid midlaner Alston "Sanji" Pabico once more picked Lou Yi, the very hero that proved decisive against RORA in their previous clash.
TLPH dictated the macro game from the early to mid stages, solidifying their defenses and maintaining map control.
It was during the 8-minute mark when TLPH manifested its stampede.
TLPH's jungler Karl Gabriel "Karltzy" Nepomuceno's Yi Sun-shin dove under the opponent's tower to take down Kenneth Carl "Yue" Tadeo's Yve.
This was followed by an 11-minute team fight over the Lord, where TLPH showcased their dominance despite RORA’s Jonard Cedrix “Demonkite” Caranto, on Fredrinn, successfully securing the objective.
Through Sanji’s well-timed Diversion plays, Yi Sun-shin found repeated openings, allowing Karltzy to surge forward alongside Jaypee “Jaypee” Dela Cruz’s Hylos to eliminate Dominic “Domengkite” Del Mundo’s Karrie under the turret.
TLPH secured the 15-minute Lord after another decisive Diversion from Sanji, enabling Karltzy to charge in and claim a double kill, ultimately ending the game.
Sanji's Lou Yi became the menace of the game, finishing with a flawless 2/0/9 KDA and earning the Most Valuable Player of the Game title.
Both teams will now prepare for their upcoming matches, with TLPH set to face Falcon Gaming and RORA scheduled to take on Cambodia First United (CFU) Gaming.
Written by Rhan Quinnet Saloma, Insight PH
Rhan Quinnet Saloma, Insight PH is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
