In the first series, Maru versus Classic, you’d probably see many people backing Maru to win this one. After all he is one of the top players in Proleague, and has a 71% win rate versus Protoss in that field. Classic on the other hand hasn’t played a single PvT in Proleague. Seems like a no brainer, but let’s look at their recent history. In Maru’s last 7 games he has played for televised matches, 4 of them have been versus Protoss, and the only player he beat was Creator. Classic on the other hand has only played two, one loss versus Polt, who ended up getting second at IEM, and a win versus Heromarine, though a great player isn’t quite at GSL level (yet). Classic also managed to fend off Gumiho in two instances in Code A, putting himself in the position he is in. At this point I’ll have to agree with the hype train and give it to Maru.
Now what about the other end of the group, Hydra versus Symbol? Though not a lot of data to go off of, Symbol has always been known for being excellent at ZvZ, almost taking a GSL trophy because of it. That being said, Symbol has shied away from the spotlight, recently becoming teamless, and has only shown games in Code A versus two Protoss players to get him where he is now. Hydra though, he has been in Proleague for all on round one, and has yet to win a game. In fact, Hydra currently has the worst record this year in Proleague, at 0-5, but none against Zerg. Though neither of these players have recent results in the mirror match-up, at the end of the day, I have to give it to Symbol.
Since there are many ways this group “could” pan out, these are my predictions.
Maru>Classic
Symbol>Hydra
Maru>Symbol
Classic>Hydra
Symbol<Classic
With Classic and Maru heading to the round of 16.
Though I have no real faith in Hydra getting out of this group, Symbol has the potential to upset, and beat Maru if he is up to the level of Soulkey, the only Zerg to take down Maru in Proleague."
Source: + Show Spoiler +
OMW Productions http://www.omwproductions.com/wcs2014codesgroupf