Despite absorbing their first loss of the season, Twisted Minds still lead the team standings as MPL Philippines Season 16 heads into its third week of regular season play.
Week 2 of MPL Philippines Season 16 regular season play saw Twisted Minds PH suffer their first loss but remain on top, while Aurora Gaming scored two impressive wins against last year’s finalists.
Defending champions Team Liquid PH handed Twisted Minds their first blemish, sweeping them to avenge their earlier loss to Aurora Gaming.
“'Di namin pinlano na gulatin eh. Kumbaga, wala sa plano namin na gulatin (ang Twisted Minds). Ang plano lang namin is ibalik kung ano talaga 'yung laro namin and 'yung heroes namin,” Team Liquid PH coach Rodel “Ar Sy” B. Cruz said afterwards.
As for Aurora Gaming, they pulled off back-to-back statement victories, stunning world champions ONIC Philippines and MSC 2025 titleholders Team Liquid PH on consecutive days.
[ALSO READ: MPL PH: ONIC PH off to 2-0 start; Aurora Gaming shocks champs Team Liquid PH for first win]
Aurora Gaming now sits at 2-1 in fifth place, just behind joint third-placers Team Liquid PH and Smart Omega (both at 2-2). The Super Family remains in second despite dropping their first match of the season (2-1).
“Ang priority namin is maayos muna kung ano 'yung kailangan naming mabuo. Ayusin muna namin 'yung sistema namin, 'yung structure namin, then focus lang talaga muna kami sa kung ano 'yung ginagawa namin,” Aurora Gaming head coach Aniel “Master the Basics” Jiandani said.
TNC Pro also broke into the win column after back-to-back opening losses, adding to the struggles of Team Falcons PH (1-3).
“Ang goal namin ay mailabas 'yung laro namin. Kung ano 'yung nalalaro namin sa scrims, maipakita namin nang walang alinlangan, walang doubt. Masaya ako kasi nalabas talaga 'yung potential namin. Sana magtuloy-tuloy,” TNC Pro head coach Patrick “E2Max” Caidic said after sweeping Team Falcons.
Week 3 will feature top-ranked Twisted Minds taking on the rising Aurora Gaming and ONIC PH, while Team Liquid PH and Smart Omega square off in a crucial battle to break their tie for third place.