SERI KEMBANGAN: Red eSports have emerged as serious contenders for a top-two finish in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) Professional League Malaysia (MPLMY) with just one game remaining before the playoffs.
Despite a slow start, with only two wins from their first five matches, Red have since found their form, recording three consecutive victories to climb to third in the standings.
Red coach Abraham Beltran "Bam" Unida credited their resurgence to a renewed focus on discipline.
"At the start of the season, many of our players, especially the locals, lacked discipline.
"Their attitude both in and out of the game wasn't right," said the Filipino coach.
"However, they've been working on their mindset and discipline, and it's paying off in the results," he added.
The top two teams will secure an upper bracket spot in the playoffs, providing a smoother path to the final and a place at the M6 World Championships in November.
"For sure, we're aiming for that upper bracket spot, but we'll take it one step at a time.
"We still need to beat Todak this week to build momentum for the playoffs.
" I don't want to put too much pressure on the players to secure second place. The focus is on winning," Unida said.
Vamos currently hold the advantage for second place, with two games remaining in the final week of the regular season.
In Week 5 of MPLMY, Monster Vicious (MV) pulled off a surprise 2-1 victory over Vamos on Friday, while Red cruised to a 2-0 win against Homebois.
On Saturday, JP Niners (JPN) defeated second-from-bottom Team Haq 2-0, while Vamos bounced back with a 2-0 victory over Homebois.
Red edged RSG Malaysia 2-1 in a hard-fought match.
Sunday's action saw Todak secure a 2-1 win over Team Rey to guarantee their playoff spot, while league leaders Selangor Red Giants (SRG) maintained their unbeaten streak with a 2-0 win over JPN.
Team Haq closed out the weekend by defeating MV 2-1.
SRG lead the standings with 20 points and two games remaining, while Vamos and Red are both on 14 points, with the former holding the edge on a better win-loss record.