The only frequent SoSPA competitor in the fourth group of the round of 32 was Mong, but it was still a highly anticipated group. The Pig Terran was joined by former CJ Entus semi-progamer Sea.KH, SKT T1's Hyuk and the most famous and successful female StarCraft progamer, STX SouL's ToSsGirL.
It came as no surprise that Mong was the first player to advance from group D. Rather surprising was that Sea.KH was able to somewhat keep up with him in the first game despite the commentators appreciating Mong's play and even calling him FlaSh. All that was left was to beat Hyuk in the winners' match on Fighting Spirit and with the Zerg's critical mistake, Mong's solid play was more than enough to do just that.
Thoughts on advancing?
It starts now. I am thrilled.
Why did you not pick to play ToSsGirL during the group selection?
It would have been nice to play her but I had to let her play in the matchup the viewers all wanted to see. There was no other choice.
It will be the first time for you at the OGN studio.
I adapted to this stage but I'm not sure whether I'll be able to do the same at OGN's studio as well. I will try to adapt fast and show good play.
Your nickname is the 'Afreecan FlaSh'.
It's what the fans call me. I think he is an amazing player so I am thankful to have such a nickname.
Any words?
This was just a single step. I hope to climb to the top and make the name Yoon Chan Hee known.
Source: DES
Although Sea.KH lost to Mong in the first game, he still managed to showcase his solid dragoon control and survive well into late game. Easily beating Hyuk and ToSsGirL to advance, Sea.KH could be the dark horse of this Starleague.
What are your thoughts on advancing to the round of 16?
It's the first time I played at an offline stage so I was quite nervous. It's too bad I couldn't play as well as I prepared. I will adapt next time and show good play.
You won the 3rd Sonic Starleague. Can you tell us more about yourself?
I picked up StarCraft when I was fourteen and a year later I obtained my semi-progamer certification. When I was sixteen I joined CJ Entus as a trainee but my parents were against this so I left. After that I still played Brood War a lot and the passion didn't go away so I started streaming as a BJ (Broadcastin Jockey). I wanted to give it another go after my military service so I ended up participating in this Starleague.
You were probably quite worried about group selection.
It was an offline stage and it wasn't easy. Rather than worried, I was quite nervous.
You met ToSsGirL in the losers' match. How was it?
Her performance was unimpressive. After I deflected Jisoo noona's dropship, she didn't keep me in check so I just did what I wanted.
Starting with the round of 16, you will be playing at OGN's studio.
Truthfully I didn't think the offline stage would make me so nervous. I think I'll have to ask other progamers and learn the know-how they have.
Goals for this competition?
Originally I expected to make the semi-finals but the offline setting makes a big difference. Now I think I would be satisfied with only making the quarter-finals.
Final words?
After a long time, I'm playing Brood War again. As much as I lack, I will try that much harder. Please believe in me and keep watching out for me.
Source: DES
ToSsGirL was eliminated from the Starleague after losing two games but DES still took the time to sit down with her and find out what she's been up to and how she felt about playing again.
"It's been a long time since I last played. I am sorry to the fans for being eliminated after two losses but being able to reignite my passion during practice, I felt really happy."
Unable to do anything in the first game, the Empress lost to Hyuk's zergling agression into mutalisks. "It was fun and nice to see the gamers I haven't seen in a long time. But I spent a lot of time preparing for the first game against Hyuk so I'm sad about the result."
Hyuk explained: "During practice her winrate was good. But thinking the opponent would play poorly, she played "richly" and my agressive play did a lot of damage. I didn't know zerglings could do so much harm."
Laughing, Seo Ji Soo concluded: "While I take care of business, I still often play games as a hobby, be it Brood War, League of Legends etc. Since I lost so easily today I don't know if the opportunity will come again but if it does I would like to participate again and meet the fans."
Source: DES
Original interviews by Daily eSports journalist Kim Yong Woo - kenzi@dailyesports.com
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