Dean “Raizen” Sumagui and Salik “Hadji” Imam marked successful returns for Smart Omega, while Edferdz “Ferdz” Fernandez impressed in his MPL Philippines debut for Team Falcons.
For Smart Omega, it felt like a reunion. For Team Falcons, it was a coming-out party.
The opening day of MPL Philippines Season 16 had all the makings of a show — from old reliables in Dean “Raizen” Sumagui and Salik “Hadji” Imam taking their old colors back, to Edferdz “Ferdz” Fernandez making a statement in his very first stage appearance.
Raizen and Hadji marked a successful comeback in Omega’s tight 2-1 victory over TNC Pro Team to jumpstart their campaign.
Raizen, who last played for Omega in Season 11, saved the best for last in the deciding Game 3, flawlessly maneuvering Hayabusa to a 3-0-4 KDA to seal the win.
For Hadji, it marked his first game back with Omega since Season 7. The victory also served as payback against former Omega veteran Joshua “Ch4knu” Mangilog, who now plays for TNC.
Coach Lemuel Josh “Lembot” Lucban credited Omega’s discipline and execution in Games 1 and 3.
“Na-execute namin nang maayos yung mga plano. Nung Game 2, medyo nalito lang kami konti sa draft. Overall, all goods naman,” Lembot said in the postgame press conference.
Up next for Omega is AP.Bren Saturday, while TNC looks to regroup against defending champion Team Liquid PH tomorrow, August 24.
Meanwhile, Team Falcons wasted no time making a statement as Ferdz anchored the team’s commanding 2-0 sweep of Aurora Gaming with a stellar debut performance.
Ferdz showed flashes of his MDL MVP pedigree, finishing with a 4-1-5 KDA on Cici in Game 2 to cap a blazing start for last season's 1st-runners-up. Marco “SuperMarco” Requitiano provided the spark in the opener, tallying three kills and five assists on Moskov.
Team Falcons PH collide with Twisted Minds PH later also on Saturday, as Aurora locked horns with TLPH next week.