SanFord and Yawi's Sacrifices Pay Off as ECHO Upset Blacklist International

ECHO delivered a surprising upset against Blacklist International in the third week of the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) Philippines (PH) Season 10. Through a gruelling match, the super team stood victorious with a 2-1 score against the Code Breakers, climbing to second place just below ONIC PH. Through a post-match interview, ECHO’s EXP Laner Sanford “SanFord” Vinuy revealed that this victory was dedicated to his uncle who is suffering from an illness. The team’s star roamer Tristan “Yawi” Cabrera also shared his sacrifices, saying that he had to miss his brother’s momentous occasion just so he could prepare for the tournament.

Sacrifices were made in preparation for the MPL PH Season 10

This third week has been one of the most disappointing times for Blacklist International. After an upsetting performance against ONIC PH, the Code Breakers went on to lose against the super team ECHO.

After celebrating their victory against one of the strongest teams in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) esports scene, two of ECHO’s iconic members shared their stories and the sacrifices they made in preparation for the tournament.

For SanFord, his victory was dedicated to his family as he gave a shout out to his uncle who is sick.

“Shoutout to my family, especially my uncle. Hopefully you get better soon. This match was for you,” stated the EXP Laner.

The pro player first started his career under Nexplay EVOS. However, he was merely a benchwarmer for the team before he was eventually released from the squad. Through a post-match press conference, he further elaborated on how much effort he had to put in just to prove he deserves to be part of the MLBB pro scene.

“I focused on the match [against Blacklist International] because they are so strong. I need to pour all of my strength there,” SanFord explained. “It was so much fun because I never had a chance to cure my itch to compete. No matter how hard I practice, I couldn’t show it off in the tournament.”

The star roamer of ECHO Yawi also had his own story to share and the sacrifices that were made. According to him, he had to skip his brother’s graduation ceremony just to prepare for the match against Blacklist International.

“This week, we prepared for all the teams, but this week was a hustle. My big brother graduated last Thursday and I couldn't attend it because if I do, I would miss one scrim and it’s a big deal for us,” stated Yawi.

He added that his whole family was there but he was not able to join the graduation family picture which only happens once in a lifetime. Additionally, Yawi also had to balance his schedule as an MLBB pro and manage his studies as well because he is currently a senior high school student taking up accountancy, management, and business.

“My classes are in the morning and my schedule was 7 AM to 12 Noon, sometimes 9 AM to 10 AM (PHT). The 7-12 was hard because I sleep at around 3 AM. So, I just deal with it [sleep deprived], it’s for myself anyway.”

The sacrifices were all worth it for Yawi as he finally ended his losing streak against Blacklist International since he first debuted in the MPL.

“Since I entered the MPL and when the V33Wise [Jonmar "OhMyV33NUS" Villaluna and Danerie "Wise" James Del Rosario] arrived, I never won against them. For five seasons, I couldn’t defeat them. Then when the roster was being decided, I prayed that Team 2 [Yawi’s Squad] would be chosen to fight Blacklist because I really want to seek revenge,” he said.

He ended his statement by saying “it really felt good, I really idolize V33nus.”

ECHO will be facing the defending champions RSG PH on 3rd September at 6:00 PM (PHT). Blacklist International shall aim to recover from its jitters against TNC Pro Team on 4th September at 8:00 PM (PHT).