TL eliminates Kairi-led ONIC ID; secures M7 lower bracket semis berth

The Cavalry continues to prove that they are fortified by pressure.

Team Liquid PH immediately went full throttle during the M7 World Championship lower bracket match-ups, sending ONIC ID and their Filipino import, Kairi “Kairi” Rayosdelsol, packing to eventually book their semifinals ticket versus Aurora Gaming Turkey, 3–1, at the Tennis Indoor Senayan, Jakarta, Indonesia.

Fresh off a heartbreaking 2–1 loss against Aurora Gaming PH, the Mid-Season Cup  2025 champions secured their quarterfinals slot as they vented their ire against ONIC PH in dominant fashion.

With the triumphs, the “Golden Road” of the three-time MPL Philippines champs remained alive as they vied to see another day in the do-or-die format of the tournament.

Not too fast, Sonics

Firing off to a hot start, TL mounted a decisive snowball to efficiently control the map and eventually draw the first blood of the series.

The Cavalry then leaned on Sanford “Sanford” Vinuya’s signature Lapu-Lapu pick, which forced the Sonics to struggle during objective clashes—capping off a decisive Game 2 win with a near-flawless 6-1-3 KDA.

Refusing to fold, Kairi and SANZ courted catastrophe in Game 3 as they shone bright to dispatch TL in just 11 minutes and 14 seconds of action, posting standout performances with Yi Sun-Shin (10-1-9 KDA) and Lunox (5-0-14 KDA), respectively.

Opting to ultimately close out, the blue-clad men flexed composure in Game 4 as they stepped on precise macro plays to deny any revival from the home-soil advantaged squad.

Despite an early exit, ONIC ID will bow out with pride, finishing in 7th-8th place on the world stage.

Dimmed light

TL demonstrated resilience in the face of setbacks, as Karl “KarlTzy” Nepomuceno excelled, executing a crucial Savage play late in Game 2 with his classic Yi Sun-Shin pick to level the scoreboard, 1–1.

Playing heroic for his team once again, Sanford’s key in-match decision making skills set constant tempo and pressure, enough to bag Game 3’s MVP nod–his second of the series– through a 5-2-5 KDA using Arlott and nab match point.

Aiming to complete the close-out, KarlTzy’s Hayabusa displayed flashy micro plays to complete a crucial lord steal amidst the 17th-minute clash occurring at the same time.

The Cavalry would then proceed to march along the stolen Lord in the top lane, executing precise skill-timings, highlighted by Kiel “Oheb” Soriano’s inhibitor turret dive while using Claude’s Blazing Duet to displace Aurora and complete the victory, 3–1.

TL will arrange a tangle against the lone-Indonesian team in contention for the M-Series title, Alter Ego, Jan. 24.