Blacklist knock out Kagendra, inch closer to CDSI semifinals
Blacklist International pulled off a clutch win over Indonesia’s Kagendra and inched closer to the semifinals of the CDSI 2023.
(Photo via Garena CODM)
Starting off in the lower bracket after an underwhelming group stage run, the Garena Masters 4 champions turned to their experience and poise to knock the Indonesians out of the playoffs.
Both teams figured out a back-and-forth situation by splitting the first four games of the series. Blacklist punched first, winning in Search and Destroy at Slums and Hardpoint at Summit to take a 2-0 lead. Kagendra immediately punched back by winning the next two games in Control at Crossroads Strike and Search and Destroy at Meltdown.
However, the Filipinos leaned on the championship experience that won them the 2021 CODM World Championship to close out Kagendra. Blacklist won Game 5 Hardpoint at Takeoff in another crucial fashion and then closed it out in Game 6 Control.
The Filipinos withstood a herculean effort by Kagendra’s star player Clove, dropping 58 big kills in the match. Blacklist team captain John Benedict “JaBen” Julio nabbed MVP honors after his stellar performance in the series-clinching win.
Photo via Garena CODM
Blacklist International continues their lower bracket run vs fellow Garena team ALMGHTY with a semis seat on the line.
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