We are already half way into the Manila Major playoffs, and approaching time when the adrenaline starts to kick in as teams are now fighting for the upper spots in the final standings, which might mean a TI direct invite for some of them.
First to fight for the upper bracket finals spot and a guaranteed top three finish in Manila were MVP Phoenix and OG.
Game One
The opening game of the series to decide who would be the first to advance in the upper bracket finals was atypical for both teams. While the Koreans aimed for an explosive start to secure their by now infamous early advantage based on pickoffs, OG made sure the pace would be slowed down with a last pick Morphling for Amer 'Miracle-' Barqawi .
Despite running duals in mid lane, MVP couldn’t secure the advantage for their Ember Spirit, as the Bounty Hunter didn’t find any courier snipes nor was he as disruptive as he would have liked for OG’s Beastmaster. At the ten minute mark OG was ready to gather four of their heroes mid lane and start the towers push with the Elder Dragon form, while Miracle- was left to safely farm as MVP found themselves forced to defend their buildings.
Thanks to their vision and mobility advantage provided by Beastmaster’s Hawk and Io’s Relocates, OG had no problem keeping MVP in control and prevented them securing any type of farm in the jungle, which translated into an easy victory just before the 30 minute mark.
Game Two
Another surprise last pick for Miracle- namely Templar Assassin, disrupted MVP’s plans but this time in a majestic way. The score alone, 0-24, says it all about the second game of the series.
Not even in their darkest days did MVP dream of not achieving a single kill by the 20 minute mark. This was the first time MVP would lose a game without taking a kill and with this harsh, shocking loss they are now dropped into the lower bracket. Tomorrow will fight for their lives at Manila Major versus the winner between NA’VI and Team Liquid.
OG, on the other hand not only that made it to top three but also Miracle sits on an impressive personal record with 0 deaths in the playoffs.
Mirale-’s KDA so far at the Manila Major playoffs:
vs NA’VI game one : Magnus 7/0/12
vs NA’VI game two: Invoker 17/0/5
vs MVP Phoenix game one: Morphling 8/0/6
vs MVP Phoenix game two: Templar Assassin 11/0/9
