Onic Philippines’ hopes of returning to the international stage came to a heartbreaking end after Team Liquid Philippines claimed a 3-1 victory in the MPL Philippines Season 17 Upper Bracket Finals, May 29.
The loss denied the Super Family a direct berth to the Mid-Season Cup at the Esports World Cup in Paris, while sending the defending champions closer to another domestic crown.
After struggling through the opening two games, Onic found a lifeline in Game 3 behind a composed performance that cut the series deficit in half and reignited its chances.
The Super Family appeared poised to complete the momentum swing in Game 4, building a significant early advantage and putting Team Liquid on the defensive for much of the contest.
However, Onic was unable to capitalize on its lead as Team Liquid’s veteran core weathered the pressure and patiently waited for an opening to strike.
That opening came during a crucial mid-game engagement when Alston “Sanji” Pabico delivered a triple kill to help Team Liquid wipe out four Onic members and seize control of the match.
The defending champions immediately converted the teamfight victory into a game-ending push, breaking through Onic’s final line of defense and securing the series.
While Team Liquid moves on to the Grand Finals and an international campaign in Paris, Onic is left searching for answers after letting a golden opportunity slip away.
