Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Southeast Asia Cup (MSC 2021) saw a rematch of the MPL PH Season 7 Grand Finals, but this time MPL PH runners-up Execration got the better of MPL PH champions, Blacklist International.
Execration fought tooth and nail in the lower bracket, defeating MPL champions Malaysia’s RSG MY, Indonesia’s EVOS Legends, and Blacklist International to win its first trophy in an international tournament.
Execration’s cinderella run in the tournament
After defeating EVOS Legends in the lower bracket final, the Exe squad forced another rematch with undefeated Blacklist International, giving the team another chance to avenge their MPL PH Season 7 grand final loss against the Kristoffer “BON CHAN” Ricaplaza-led squad.
It was looking good for Blacklist International in the first game as they dominated with Danerie James “Wise” Del Rosario’s Granger leading the charge in their 9-4 victory.
But it was the last time Blacklist International won in the series as Execration went on to win the next four games straight, finally giving Alfonso “Z4pnu” Alfonso’s team the well-deserved MSC trophy.
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The Double K connection of Kelra and Kielvj
In the second game, the Double K duo of Kiel Vj “Kielvj” Hernandez and Duane “Kelra” Pillas made quick work of Blacklist International as they went on to finish the game in under 12 minutes with a 16-3 kill record.
With the score tied at one apiece, the Z4pnu-led squad had a harder time closing the match in the third game as the V33Wise duo of Wise’s Granger and Johnmar “OhMyV33nus” Villaluna’s Rafaela prolonged the game with defensive plays.
At the 18-minute mark, Kelra’s Esmeralda stepped up as he turned around a crucial team fight near the Lord pit to give Execration the 2-1 lead.
It was Kelra’s show once again, this time with Lunox, in the fourth game. He was able to notch an amazing 10/2/5 KDA, dictating the tempo in the late game along with Kielvj’s Ling.
Down 3-1, Blacklist International’s Mark Jayson “ESON” Gerardo locked in his pocket pick Franco while the rest of the team went for comfort picks.
However, it wasn’t enough as Kelra once again showed everyone why he’s called the wonder boy of Execration. Despite the nerfs, he put up 10/2/5 with Chang’e to finally put a stop to Blacklist International’ stellar MSC 2021 run while winning the coveted trophy as well.
Rookie Kelra was hailed the tournament MVP after taking Execration to the promised land with impressive plays from the regular season up until the final game of MSC 2021.
Execration will take home US$70,000 while Blacklist International will settle with US$30,000.
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