SIBOL plots Asian Games squad

Alta Sportsa month ago · 295 views

Photo: Moonton Games

By Tiffany Dela Cruz

SIBOL has reset its selection process for the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang event of the 2026 Asian Games, announcing that it will conduct fresh qualifiers to determine the country’s representative in Nagoya, Japan.

The move comes months after the federation completed its initial qualifying tournament last November, where ONIC Philippines emerged as the top squad. Team Liquid PH, Twisted Minds, and amateur side Rough World Era rounded out the top four at the time.

Since then, changes within the coaching ranks and player rosters prompted SIBOL to revisit its plans.

Anthony “Ynot” Senedrin, who secured the national team head coaching role after guiding ONIC PH to victory in the earlier qualifiers, has stepped down from his post following new professional commitments. Senedrin recently joined Natus Vincere in MPL Indonesia.

Photo: Moonton Games

“The SIBOL management would like to share an update regarding our Asian Games MLBB roster. Anthony Dennis ‘Ynot’ Senedrin is stepping down as head coach for our Asian Games initiative due to new professional commitments,” the federation said in a statement.

“We sincerely thank Coach Ynot for his leadership and wish him success in his new endeavors.”

At the same time, roster shifts affected two of the country’s top organizations.

ONIC PH parted ways with star gold laner Duane “Kelra” Pillas, who transferred to ONIC Esports for MPL Indonesia Season 17. Meanwhile, Kiel “OHEB” Soriano was moved to the inactive list of Team Liquid PH ahead of MPL Philippines Season 17.

Photo: Moonton Games

SIBOL general manager Jab Escutin said these developments made it necessary to reopen the process.

“Yes. Since we need to get a new head coach, and the nature of the movements of the rosters of the teams, tingin namin we would have better representation if we redo everything,” Escutin said.

Registration for the new qualifiers opens Monday. The revamped process will identify the next head coach and determine the four teams that will advance to a combine, where the final six-man lineup for the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang event in the Asian Games will be formed.

“In our continued pursuit of Asian Games gold, SIBOL will soon hold a new round of qualifiers to search for the next head coach to lead our national team on the Asian Games in Nagoya. Thank you for your continued support,” the federation said.

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