Reigning champion Blacklist International stayed unbeaten to start Season 8 of the Mobile Legends Professional League Philippines after avoiding the upset axe from Nexplay EVOS on Saturday, August 28.

Dragged to a decider in their best-of-three clash, Blacklist displayed its championship pedigree as it dominated Nexplay in all aspects of Game 3 by taking all the necessary objectives.

Although Nexplay managed to prolong the rubber match to 20 minutes, Blacklist – which is coming off a sweep of TNC – eventually wrapped up the match with a crucial three-hero pick off.

Tristan “Yawi” Cabrera (Atlas) initiated a clash at the 22nd minute and paved way for Nexplay to kill Salic “Hadji” Imam (Saber).

But Blacklist turned the tables and eliminated Yawi, John Paul “H2wo” Salonga (Alucard), and James “Jeymz” Gloria (Ruby) before it destroyed the Nexplay base within the next minute.

Kiel “Oheb” Soriano (Hayabusa) led the win with 6 kills and 6 assists against 2 deaths, Hadji put up 5 kills and 3 assists against 2 deaths, while Edward “Edward” Dapadap (Phoveus) had 4 kills and 7 assists against 2 deaths.

Johnmar “OhMyV33nus” Villaluna (Rafaela) made his presence felt for Blacklist with 9 assists against 0 deaths in Game 3.

Earlier, Omega Esports – composed of players who won the previous Mobile Legends Southeast Asia Cup – fell in its season-opener without rising star Duane “Kelra” Pillas.

Kelra is still serving a two-week suspension that stemmed from his sexual and homophobic remarks against OhMyV33nus, Blacklist ace Danerie James “Wise” del Rosario, and Thailand player Chareeny “Ramella” Ramella.

Sans Kelra, Omega suffered a 1-2 loss to Onic Philippines, which remained undefeated in its first two series to share an early lead in the standings with Blacklist at 5 points apiece.

In the first matchup of the day, league newcomer Echo bounced back from its series loss to Onic the day prior by sweeping former champion Bren Esports. – Rappler.com