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Coach draws on past shortcomings to lead FNOP to M6 glory

KUALA LUMPUR: Lessons learnt from not making it as a professional Defence of the Ancients 2 (Dota2) player has given Fnatic Onic Philippines (FNOP) coach Anthony "Ynot" Senedrin the wisdom to lead his players to glory.

FNOP were crowned champions of the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang M6 World Championship yesterday (Dec 15) after clinching a straightforward 4-1 win over Team Liquid Indonesia (TLID) in the grand final at the Axiata Arena.

The Filipino champions went the whole tournament undefeated, swatting aside all challengers that dared stand in their way. But despite their all-conquering display, not once did they show any complacency.

Senedrin recalled his days as a professional player, where he and his teammates were considered the best but could not achieve much.

"I've been there but from a different game (Dota2). I was considered one of the best in my country but it didn't work out well for me.

"You need to make sure that all the players are very grounded, this is a major role that coaches play, especially for this generation.

"You have to make them understand that it (the job) is not yet done," he told Timesport in a recent interview.

FNOP had defeated TLID twice en route to the grand final, both convincingly.

Senedrin said the key to defeating the Indonesians a third time was to study them and anticipate any adjustments they were likely to make.

"The connection with the players is important too. They trust me when I'm drafting (heroes) for them to use.

"I also trust that they will execute what I have envisioned in the games when the match starts," added the 36-year-old.

FNOP's victory ensured that the world title remains in the Philippines - Filipino teams have won the last five editions - and also saw them pocket a cool US$320,000 (RM1,426,720) in prize money.

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