Fnatic Onic Philippines. Photo from MPL Philippines
MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Fnatic ONIC Philippines denied Aurora's comeback attempt in the Grand Finals, 4-3, to win the MPL Philippines Season 14 title on Sunday at the Green Sun Hotel in Makati.
The Sonics established a 3-1 lead, but Aurora was gritty enough to eventually force a Game 7.
"'Yung tumatakbo sa isip ko no'n kasi, akala ko 'di talaga para sa 'kin 'yung championship," said ONIC gold laner Duane "Kelra" Pillas, who was eventually named Finals MVP, during the postgame press conference.
"Kumbaga, dapat tapos na no'ng Game 5. Ta's na-comeback kami... 'yung tumatakbo sa isip ko no'n, parang, 'may curse ba?'" he added.
It boiled down to an Aurora push in the decider as Jonard Cedrix "Demonkite" Caranto's Alpha secured the Lord for themselves.
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When Aurora marched down into ONIC's base, the Sonics stood their ground, with Jann Kirk "Kirk" Gutierrez's Edith managing to kill Kenneth Carl "Yue" Tadeo's Yve just when Edward Jay "Edward" Dapadap failed to set on his Gatotkaca.
Frince Miguel "Super Frince" Ramirez's Vexana scored a double kill on Edward and Renejay "Renejay" Barcarse as Kelra piled on Aurora's woes after his Beatrix killed the Alpha.
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With four Aurora members out for more than 20 seconds, ONIC rallied into its opponents' base for the crown.
"Pagkapanalo na pagkapanalo namin, naiyak talaga 'ko eh," Kelra expressed. "Kasi 'di pala totoo 'yung mga curse na gano'n."
Despite the near-stunner by Aurora, it was actually a dominant showing for ONIC throughout the season, winning it all through an upper bracket run.
ONIC was also the top-seed during the elimination round after gaining a 13-1 win-loss card.