EPT
![[image loading]](http://www.fomos.kr/board/interview/1237509981_1.jpg)
The MSL finals are almost here.
-I’m still not on the stage yet, so for now, I don’t really feel anything…it’s just like usual…
This is the first time you’re entering the finals, you seem excited.
-This is the first time, so I need to win it, and get a good beginning…when you see all the second-place finishers, it’s really depressing…[laugh]
Your opponent is Jangbi.
-He is a very strong opponent, but I think as long as I prepare, I can beat him.
Thoughts on the maps?
-Whatever. Seems like they’re advantageous to me. I personally didn’t like Sin Chupung-Ryeong, even though there’s a Zerg advantage…so during the preparation process, I guess I grew to like it…I haven’t really practiced that map a lot, but after practicing, I discovered that the map’s pretty good as Zerg. There are 2 or 3 other maps that have a Zerg advantage, so from the map standpoint, I have an edge.
You’ve had great momentum lately.
-Recently I’ve got in the zone and wanted to work harder than everyone else, so I often practice until very late, and I believe that hard work will pay off.
What’s the most important part of this final?
-The first match might determine it…in most Bo5’s, whoever wins the first game tends to win the series. If I win the first game, I would have confidence for maybe even a sweep…
Your game has been steadily improving in BoX’s lately.
-Before, when I failed twice in these BoX’s, I was put on the same team as Nada for an All-Star game, and learned a lot from him about techniques for BoX’s. He gave me a lot of suggestions that have helped me a lot. Back then, I played the game with naivety. Now, I’ve been thinking a lot more, and improved a lot in terms of mindgames, so I’ve been having good results.
Your team has high expectations for you.
-I don’t view these kind of expectations as pressure, because it’s not only for the team, I myself also want to win.
After the MSL finals you’ll have Winner’s League Playoffs, do you feel pressured?
-I’ve been preparing for both. I reduced my downtime to practice more…ForGG has some pressure I think, but he is very capable of winning, and he came from Oz. I think he will put up a good fight.
Word before the games?
-I’ve never been able to stand on the finals stage before, and messed up a lot…now that I’m finally here, I will practice hard and show everyone the face of a champion.
Anything to say to Jangbi?
-I heard you’ve been practicing hard, but I want to say, if you want to give me a good fight, you need to practice at least 2-3 times more than me, so I hope you practice hard. [laugh]
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Jangbi
![[image loading]](http://www.fomos.kr/board/interview/1237509942_1.jpg)
You’re almost at the finals, how do you feel?
-Because of prior experience, it’s nothing new. The feeling’s the same as preparing for the Ro8 and the Ro4.
Unfortunately, you got second last season.
-It’s very regretful…I’m really curious to what it feels like to win, and now that the opportunity’s in front of me again, I want it more than ever.
You don’t believe that mindgames are very important in Bo3’s and Bo5s.
-I never really took note of stuff like that. Even though I have a lot of room to improve, I personally believe that if you lost in a BoX, it’s just because your opponent prepared better than you.
People say you did well in terms of mindgames in the match against Stork.
-To be honest, I cracked. I usually play very safely, but I gambled a lot, and prepared all-in strategies. Good thing it had a good result…
Thoughts on Luxury?
-Even though I haven’t faced him, I can tell that he’s an offensive player. I will take note of all-in strategies and prepare accordingly.
Stork played against Luxury a lot.
-After the Ro4 ended, I took Stork hyung out for a drink. The awkward situation diffused itself completely, he said he would help me with everything he has. [laugh] Even though I won, I’m really sorry, and, thank him.
You’re labeled as one of the Kings of Second Place.
-I’ve seen those opinions, I view them as jokes. I think a lot of people probably wish that I was one of those players [laugh] But honestly, I definitely will not be. Winning is the way to go.
Thoughts on the map order?
-The maps are Zerg favored, so I need to win the first game. Stork hyung says that the second map, Carthage, is way too difficult. If you can’t win the first game, you’ll be even more disadvantaged in the second game.
Last thoughts?
-Recently, at various finals, I’ve gotten all seconds. Now that I have experience, I hope this time I can win. I want to hear someone say “You’re the champion.”
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Translated from Chinese from http://www.playsc.com/bbs/viewthread.php?tid=146351&extra=page=1 and http://www.playsc.com/bbs/viewthread.php?tid=146346&extra=page=1
Images and original Korean from fomos.
Feedback always welcome.
