Defending MPL champion ONIC PH was pushed to its limit en route to a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Twisted Minds on Day 1 of MPL Season 15 Playoffs this Wednesday at Green Sun Hotel in Makati.

Kelra, K1ngkong, Brusko, Kirk, and Super Frince scored the first two games of the series only to see Twisted Minds come back from the dead by winning the next two games to tie the series 2-2.

With its championship dream at stake in Game 5, ONIC PH showcased its vintage form with K1ngkong leading the charge, copping the series in 12 minutes.

"We expected that Twisted Minds could put us to sleep. They are the team that you cannot predict what they will do," said ONIC PH gold laner Duane "Kelra" Pillas after the match.

The win eliminates Twisted Minds from the tournament while ONIC PH advances to the next stage of the tournament, where they will meet fan-favorite Aurora.