The Mobile Legends Professional League (MPL) Invitational title remained elusive for a Filipino team.

Blacklist International fell short of the grand prize following a heart-wrenching 1-3 defeat to Indonesian titlist Onic Esports in the grand finals on Sunday, November 7.

The reigning two-time MPL Philippines champion drew first blood but failed to sustain its momentum in the best-of-five series as another Indonesian squad ruled the MPL Invitational.

Filipino crew Bren Esports also finished as runner-up in the 2020 edition after succumbing to Indonesian team Alter Ego.

Edward “Edward” Dapadap (Paquito) kept Blacklist alive in Game 4 with a double kill on Nicky “Kiboy” Fernando (Rafaela) and Gilang “SANZ” (Nathan) as Onic attempted to end the match at the 15th minute.

However, it did not take long for Onic to reestablish its control on the game, with Blacklist witnessing its forced turret push backfire in its face.

Onic eliminated Danerie James “Wise” del Rosario (Bane), Salim “Hadji” Imam (Pharsa), Kiel “Oheb” Soriano” (Lunox), and Edward as it wrapped up the match, and eventually, the series in 17 minutes.

Kiboy led the way for Onic with 2 kills and 12 assists against 3 deaths, while SANZ had 6 kills and 5 assists against 4 deaths.

Wise tallied 4 kills and 5 assists against 4 deaths for Blacklist.

Onic will take home the bulk of the $100,000 (around P5 million) prize pool of the event where a total of 20 teams saw action. – Rappler.com