SIBOL’s 20th Asian Games campaign came to an abrupt end on Wednesday after a stunning quarterfinal loss to regional rival Indonesia in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Esports event at Aichi Sky Expo Hall in Japan.
The Philippines, represented by the core of three-time MPL Philippines champion Team Liquid, was off to a rough start as Indonesia’s aggressive start repeatedly disrupted Sibol’s plans throughout the series.
“We made way too many errors, and I think we weren’t able to play our actual game. I didn’t expect that we would lose,” said Karl “KarlTzy” Nepomuceno.
The Philippines endured a rough start as Indonesia seized Game 1, 22-19.
Sibol, supported by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee, countered and evened the best-of-three series, 14-5, in Game 2.
But Sibol failed to find its footing in Game 3, as the Indonesians took control and closed out the match, 12-6.
Composing the MLBB squad are Nepomuceno, Sanford “Sanford” Vinuya, Alston “Sanji” Pabico, Jaypee “Jaypee” Dela Cruz, Dave “Teddy” Viana and Duane “Kelra” Pillas.
Earlier in the day, Sibol’s Identity V squad also saw its Asian Games bid end also in a 0-2 quarterfinals loss to Malaysia.
The losses marked the end of Sibol’s campaign in the Asian Games, with the Philippines’ esports delegation delivering bronze medals in both Honor of Kings and Pokémon UNITE. TMT
