Blacklist, Execration in contention
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines, headed by Blacklist Rivalry and Execration, stayed in contention for the coveted Predator Shield and the lion’s share of the rich $200,000 prize pool in the Grand Finals of the Asia Pacific Predator.
Spearheaded by veteran internationalist Abed Yusop, Blacklist Rivalry lived up to its top billing and ruled Group A with a perfect 4-0 record after they mercilessly destroyed anyone on its path, averaging 30 minutes per match to advance to the semis in Dota 2.
“Happy to be back in the country since I played here back in 2016,” said Yusop, who played overseas, including in Europe the past years, during a media briefing yesterday at the Sofitel Hotel.
Execration was the other local team that cracked the semis after wins over Malaysia’s Mythic Avenue Gaming, fellow Filipinos ZOL Esports and India’s Whoops with its only defeat coming at the hands of Blacklist Rivalry.
On the other side of the bracket were China’s Team Aster, the Group B No. 1, and Mongolia’s IHC Esports.
In VALORANT, Philippine juggernaut Team Secret emerged unscathed in Group D, delivering dominant performances against Malaysian side TODAK and Singapore’s Ender Dragon. Unfortunately, other Filipino squads Oasis Gaming and ZOL Esports, couldn’t progress beyond their respective groups.
Team Secret will face off against Team Flash from Vietnam, Japan’s FAV Gaming, and BOOM Esports from Indonesia. FAV Gaming and BOOM Esports were undefeated in Group A and Group C, respectively.
With two more action-packed days of high-level competition coming this weekend, there will be another “Thrilla in Manila” at the MOA Arena on Jan. 13 and 14.
For more information and updates about the Asia Pacific 2024 Predator League Grand Finals, visit www.facebookcom/PredatorGamingPhilippines or the official website www.predator-league.com.
