Photo: MPL

By Tiffany Dela Cruz

Aurora Gaming PH finally came alive, snapping a five-game losing skid at the expense of Omega Esports, 2-1, to punch the last ticket in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) Philippines Season 17, Saturday at the Victoria Sports Tower.

The reigning world champions officially clinched the sixth seed after improving their slate to 4-9, booting out AP Bren, which dropped to 3-10 earlier in the day.

After splitting the first two games of the series, Aurora fought off a tough challenge from Omega Esports in Game 3 en route to a close 15-12 win in 15 minutes and 29 seconds.

The Smart-backed squad got a huge lift from Kenneth “Yue” Tadeo in the decider, as he finished with three kills and 10 assists on his signature Kimmy.

Omega Esports drew first blood in the series, leaning on Carl “Minguin” Gallantes’ Selena in the 12-5 Game 1 win in 14 minutes. He finished with three kills and six assists against one death.

However, Aurora bounced back in the second game with as Dylan “Light” Catipon turned in a stellar Kalea performance that led to a 10-4 win in nearly 15 minutes of play. He tallied eight assists against four deaths.

Meanwhile, Team Falcons PH kept itself in the running for the top seed with a 2-0 win over AP Bren, while Twisted Minds closed in on the fourth seed with a 2-1 triumph against also-ran TNC.

Team Falcons capped off the elimination round with 12-2 record, and is still behind league-leading Team Liquid PH (12-1), while Twisted Minds improved to 6-8 at the fifth spot.

TNC ended the tournament dead-last with a 2-12 record.