Lower bracket finals were the name of the game on the penultimate day of the MPL PH Season 12 playoffs with ECHO and Blacklist fighting once more.
headline photos courtesy of Moonton
While AP.Bren dismantled Blacklist International in the upper bracket finals, securing the first grand finalist spot for the Mobile Legends Professional League Season 12 in the Philippines, their challenger remained to be decided. On the penultimate day, Blacklist and ECHO would meet for the second time in the playoffs, this time with elimination on the cards, a spot in the grand finals, and a ticket to the M5 World Championship.
Right from the first game of the series, it was clear that it was going to be intense between these two juggernauts of MLBB, with a 22-minute brawl to kick things off. In a back-and-forth, which even saw KarlTzy stealing away the final Lord of the game. The Agents managed to get the upper hand and lead the series. Things went even further in game two, with another brilliant performance from both sides. However, it was Blacklist, again, who peaked their noses in front, taking a 2-0 lead and securing match point.
With their backs against the wall and elimination staring them in the face, ECHO made a change in their lineup, bringing Yawi onto the stage to fight against his ex-teammate, RENEJAY. Although it was still a hard-fought battle, ECHO suddenly seemed to have a new life, as they claimed a foothold and took the series to 2-1. Even with Yawi, ECHO seemed to be unable to fight against Blacklist, and game four proved this. Much like in their previous playoff meeting, Blacklist was able to find the perfect ways to take down the reigning champions, and after wiping them from the Land of Dawn twice, The Agents took a 3-1 series win.
For ECHO, this means they will not get to defend their M4 Championship at M5, while also falling to third place in MPL PH Season 12 after a dominant first half of 2023. For Blacklist, they return to the M-series, this time hoping to secure a second championship title. However, the bigger and more important question remains in the MPL PH Season 12 Grand Finals where they will have a rematch against AP.Bren, as Sunday, October 29, will see a champion crowned.
