MANILA - Omega Esports secured a chance to defend its Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Southeast Asia Cup title as it entered the MPL - Philippines Season 9 Grand Finals.

This comes at the expense of TNC Pro Team's own Cinderella run during the lower bracket finals of the playoffs.

TNC put excessive pressure down the bottom lane to start Game 1, as Robee Bryan "Yasuwo" Pormocille busted down the energy shield of the bottom turret within 3 minutes.

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But gold laner Grant Duane "Kelra" Pillas found his footing to deal massive damage in team fights, as Omega kept itself afloat and eventually outplayed TNC.

Kelra earned the MVP honors in Game 1 with a 6/2/6 kill-death-assist record.

Omega then banked wins on Games 2 and 3 to cop the last slot for the Philippines in MSC.

TNC Pro Team, whose rise to the playoffs from the last seed in Season 8 wowed the local ML:BB scene, will end the tournament at third place.

Omega will face RSG Philippines for the MPL - Philippines title tonight.

Omega won the MSC title over Blacklist International last year when the roster was still under Execration.

The reigning Southeast Asia champs will be joined by RSG Philippines in the sub-regional tilt to be held in Malaysia this June.