Blacklist International flexed its muscle to start its title-retention bid in Season 8 of the Mobile Legends Professional League Philippines (MPL PH) with a resounding sweep of TNC on Friday, August 27.

The reigning MPL PH titlist, which lost only one series in its championship run last season, kept the status quo as it demolished TNC – formerly Work Auster Force – in their best-of-three duel.

Former Omega Esports star Salic “Hadjizy” Imam shone for his new team with back-to-back impressive performances on Chou for Blacklist.

Hadjizy, who switched from his usual role as jungler to roamer, tallied 2 kills and 6 assists against 4 deaths in Game 1 and earned Player of the Game honors in Game 2 with 7 assists against only 1 death.

Kiel “Oheb” Soriano led Blacklist in the series-clinching Game 2 with 5 kills and 2 assists against 0 deaths on Hayabusa, while Danerie James “Wise” del Rosario put up 3 kills and 7 assists against 1 death on Kimmy.

Johnmar “OhMyV33nus” Villaluna recorded 1 kill and 7 assists against 0 deaths on Estes in the swift 11-minute win and Edward “Edward” Dapadap contributed 2 kills and 3 assists against 0 deaths on Paquito.

Blacklist garnered 3 points from the sweep and seized a share of the lead in the standings with Onic Philippines, which earlier dispatched league newcomer Echo. – Rappler.com