Smart Omega’s MPL-PH resurgence: can Ch4knu and Ryota be the keys for the comeback kings?

For the rebranded Smart Omega, which is currently standing at 7th in the MPL Philippines standings, Week 6 proved to be a redemption week for the comeback kings.

On Sunday, The Comeback Kings upset defending World and MPL Philippines Champions AP Bren, 2-1, at the Shooting Gallery Studios in Makati City, Metro Manila.

 

Game 1 was a nearly half-hour battle between Smart Omega and AP Bren – but ended in a surprise as Jomari “Jowm” Pingol’s Natan picked off the Barats of world champion Kyle “KyleTzy” Sayson to force Omega to get a Lord. 

The follow up came shortly afterward as Jayson “UKIR” Alupit’s Faramis pick unleashed a sustain that allowed the Barangay to get 2 kills and finish off the game in a stunning fashion.

By Game 2, AP Bren stunned the Barangay with their own dominant form, as Angelo “Pheww” Arcangel showed them a 2/1/6 KDA worthy of praise for leading the Bees to a dominant 12-5 kill score.

Joshua “Ch4knu” Mangilog’s Grock was limited to four assists, and the team did not get their hands on any of the objectives.

However, it was in Game 3 when Smart Omega unleashed its power, thanks to Nowee “Ryota” Macasa’s Benedetta pick locking in a Maniac in the 17th minute to close out the series and keep the Barangay’s playoff hopes alive.

 

The day before, it was Ch4knu who re-debuted in the MPL with Smart Omega in a winning fashion, taking a match away from their fellow playoff-seeking contenders Blacklist International.

Cha4knu was earlier traded back to the MPL in exchange for Louis “Louis” Arriola, who took the Ch4kmamba’s place in the MDL. Ch4knu earlier played for the MDL due to fulfilling his academic requirements while also continuing to play pro.

Game 1 of that Saturday match saw Smart Omega surprisingly take control after an 11-minute dominance in the first round from Blacklist.

Ryota’s Masha pick proved to be the troublemaker for the Codebreakers, as Ryota and UKIR combined for three kills and forcing them to go for a split push.

Blacklist’s Edward Jay “Edward” Dapadap responded by taking down Ryota, but it was in vain as the act bought enough time for Smart Omega to push and destroy Blacklist’s base.

Ch4knu’s Mathilda pick also became Smart Omega’s game-sealer in Game 2, as the Mathilda contributed to all 14 of Smart Omega’s 14 kills in a 14-6 thrashing of Blacklist International in a 15-minute match.

With the two wins, Smart Omega’s playoff hopes are alive, and improve to a 3-9 win-loss record.