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M3 World Championship: Blacklist International continue run with Keyd Stars sweep

Anna Bernardo
·Contributor
·3-min read
Blacklist International celebrate following their 3-0 victory over Keyd Stars to stay alive at the M3 World Championship. (Photo: MLBB Esports/Moonton Games)
Blacklist International celebrate following their 3-0 victory over Keyd Stars to stay alive at the M3 World Championship. (Photo: MLBB Esports/Moonton Games)

The fifth day of the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) M3 World Championship Playoffs on Wednesday (15 December) kicked off with Filipino powerhouse Blacklist International sweeping Brazil's Keyd Stars 3-0 and knocking them out of the tournament.

Blacklist International had a solid start to the M3 World Championship, sweeping Group A to earn an upper bracket berth. Keyd Stars came in third over in Group B with a 1-2 record, placing them in the lower bracket.

Blacklist International then fell victim to a 3-2 upset from North America's BloodThirstyKings, dropping them to the second round of the lower bracket. They subsequently defeated Indonesian rivals ONIC Esports 2-1 to advance to the third round of the lower bracket.

Meanwhile, Keyd Stars eliminated GX Squad and BEDEL in the first two rounds of the lower bracket playoffs to face Blacklist International.

The Filipinos had a great start in the series, overwhelming Keyd Stars early into game one. However, the Brazilian team fought back, swinging the gold lead in their favour, and cornering Blacklist International back to their base. The Filipino team managed to bounce back after sneaking a Lord kill, while Edward "EDWARD" Jay Dapadap distracted the members of Keyd in other portions of the map.

And in 18 minutes with a 16-8 kill lead, Blacklist International pushed their way to the mid lane with the Lord, destroying the Brazilian base.

Salic "Hadji" Alauya Imam earned the MVP honours, with an 81% kill participation rate with zero deaths, ensuring that he could deal enough damage in team fights.

After a less then stellar outing in game one, Blacklist International dominated in a swift game two by suffocating Keyd Stars in all lanes and taking most of the map objectives. The Filipinos punished small mistakes from the Brazilian team, leaving no room for Keyd to bounce back.

And in just 12 minutes and with a 11-0 kill lead, Blacklist International took match point. Danerie "Wise" James Del Rosario was named the MVP of this game, as he boasted an 82% kill participation rate and ensured that Keyd's star player Luiz "Luizz" Henrique Alves was shut down.

Game three was a repeat of the second game, with Blacklist International basically dominating their opponents throughout the entire game.

The Filipino powerhouse were relentless with their siege, taking the game in just 12 minutes with a 12-1 kill lead. "OHEB" was named MVP of the conclusive map, dominating with a 67% kill participation rate with his signature Alice pick.

Blacklist International now move to the lower bracket quarterfinals. In a post-match interview, EDWARD mentioned that the team would not be content with sixth place, and they were keen to take home the Championship title.

The Filipinos will face the loser of the upper bracket semi-finals match between ONIC Philippines and RRQ Hoshi in a best-of-five series on 17 December.

Meanwhile, Keyd Stars bow out of the competition in 7th-8th place, taking home US$30,000.

For everything you need to know about the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang M3 World Championship, click here.

Anna is a freelance writer and photographer. She is a gamer who loves RPGs and platformers, and is a League of Legends geek. She's also a food enthusiast who loves a good cup of black coffee.

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