Blacklist survives scare from RRQ Brazil, sets up M4 upper bracket semis clash with RRQ Hoshi

JAKARTA — Reigning champion Blacklist International advanced in the upper bracket after surviving RRQ Akira of Brazil, 3-1, in their playoff clash in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang M4 World Championship on Sunday in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The Philippine team joined compatriot Echo in the upper bracket semifinals where it will face RRQ Hoshi of the host nation Indonesia.

The UBE (ultimate bonding strategy) worked wonders for the Codebreakers with Johnmar “OhMyV33nus” Villaluna piloting the attack as RRQ Akira could not counter his signature pick Estes.

Blacklist needed just 13 minutes to secure the opening game with OhMyV33nus getting the MVP honors with a perfect 1/0/13 KDA.

Danerie James “Wise” Del Rosario (Fredrinn) secured the lord late in Game 2 before the rest of Blacklist destroyed RRQ Akira’s base to move one win away from a clean sweep. It was Salic “Hadji” Imam (Yve) who was hailed the MVP after unleashing three kills, including the first blood, and seven assists without sustaining a single death.

RRQ then took Game 3 from Blacklist even though the Codebreakers were using a signature hero draft with OhMyV33nus on Estes and Wise on Valentina while Hadji, Edward, and Oheb used Faramis, Benedetta, and Beatrix, respectively. 

RRQ used the same tactic in Game 4, allowing Blacklist to draft its usual heroes. Only this time, Blacklist made the necessary adjustments to seal the deal. 

RRQ Brazil previously went unbeaten in 32 games, though the Brazilians’ streak was already snapped with a loss to S11 Gaming, even before they faced Blacklist.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News