EPT
![[image loading]](http://www.teamliquid.net/staff/KizZBG/odtbanner.jpg)
In this installment, we take a look at the zergs who have made their way to the ODT. (Protoss entry can be found here)
The Zergs in the ODT are as follows:
Zerg (15)
GoRush Z (Park Tae Min)
ZergMaN Z (Park Sung Jun)
Child Z (Kim Nam Ki)
YellOw[ArnC] Z (Park Myung Soo)
ChOJJa Z (Jo Yong Ho)
July Z (Park Sung Jun)
GGPlay Z (Kim Jun Yung)
Sea.Jy Z (Jang Wook)
s.s.m~[SiLvEr] Z (Shim Somyoung)
n.Die_Jaedong Z (Lee Jaedong)
Shark[gm] Z (Suh Kyungjong)
Hazin[saM] Z (Chae Jihoon)
815 Z (Bae Byungwoo)
JiHyun[jOypOp] Z (Lee Jaehwang)
Luxury[GsP] Z (Park Chansoo)
While writing this, I realized how I little I actually know about the lesser zergs! (I suppose my internal protoss bias is the cause of this). The zerg lineup for this ODT is a mixture of the old and new school, with about 2/3 of the players being recognizable faces of the major leagues.
![[image loading]](http://teamliquid.net/images/liquibet/players/GoRush.jpg)
Known as a "Management Style" zerg, GoRush really has not been playing to his fullest capacity in recent months. He was an unstoppable machine during the early and middle parts of 2005, but has slowed down considerably ever since.
He was one the receiving end of two epic proleague matches against Nal_rA and Stork. Despite qualifying for many of the major leagues this year, he could not get past the round of 8 a single time, being thwarted by Zergman in Shinhan 1, by Anytime in Shinhan 2 and by Much in Shinhan 3. He has shown flashes of his old self on numerous occasions but cannot seem to keep it up, or give it the one last heave before reattaining his former status.
Nevertheless, GoRush still plays a stable, forceful zerg that will not simply "fold" under pressure. Opponents will usually have to "win" the game on their own merit if they hope to get past him.
![[image loading]](http://teamliquid.net/images/liquibet/players/Zergman.jpg)
Zergman has inheirited the "master of ZvZ" crown from Chojja, boasting a truly scary mirror game that compares favorably to even those of Savior and Jaedong. His ZvT is often considered to be a concoction of all-in builds, but it is difficult to argue with the results he has achieved with them.
While GoRush's level of play rarely deviates from his standard level, Zergman is quite the opposite. You can never predict whether he will bring his A+ game or his B game, and predicting the results of his games has proven to be quite difficult.
Probably the most "roll of the dice" player in this ODT, he has the ability to triumph or crash in any given ODT group.
![[image loading]](http://teamliquid.net/images/liquibet/players/Child.jpg)
Made 2 starleagues. Bowed out of both starleagues with a 0-3 record in the group stages. Need I say more?
Well I guess I will say more. I'm not sure what to say here though. He did terribly in Starleague, but on the other hand, he did get in to said Starleagues...
I'm going to assume he had easy groups during those ODT, and say that he won't have a chance of getting out of this power-packed ODT this season.
![[image loading]](http://teamliquid.net/images/liquibet/players/YellOw%5BArnC%5D.jpg)
Aside from a certain Ma Jae Yoon, Park Myung Soo is certainly the scariest zerg around today. He has gone from "fake YellOw" -- an impostor and a scam -- to a player worthy of the Storm Zerg's alias. It is somewhat poetic that his rise has coincided with Hong Jinho's spiral into oblivion.
Commonly referred to as "Yarnc" by western fans, his specialty lies in ZvT, accompanied by a ZvZ and ZvP that certainly should not be taken lightly. His mirror is what got him past July in the tiebreakers during Shinhan 1 OSL, and his ZvT has ended the hopes of Iloveoov (Shinhan 3) and Sea (Shinhan 1) in the OSL.
His mutalisk control matches that of July and Savior, as seen in his performance vs Oov on Hitchhiker. With the aid of Zerg mastermind and OGN coach [z-zone]Byun, he certainly does not lack in surprise builds either, as evidenced by the 1 hatch mutalisk build on 815 III. His all-kill of the E-stro team during Kespa Cup was nothing short of unimaginable. Defeating Cool[fou], Tester, Magma and Upmagic in one go is no small task.
Ascensions in Starcraft progaming like that of YellOw[ArnC]'s has rarely been witnessed in the past; it would certainly be an upset to see him falter at the ODT stage.
![[image loading]](http://teamliquid.net/images/liquibet/players/Chojja.jpg)
Once the master of ZvZ, his mirror matchup has suffered greatly ever since Shinhan 1. I have not seen anything convincing from him as of late, and none of his games were shown for PSL. His slump was not as deep as that of his KTF teammates Reach, YellOw, or Sync, as I do recall seeing him used in 1v1 games for proleague and getting a fair share of wins.
At the time when his skill peaked in early 2006, his non mirror matchups were good enough to defeat Iloveoov on Rush Hour 3 during Shinhan 1 and climb all the way to the finals against Casy. Since then, we have not heard much from the player affectionately called the "Gnome Zerg" (referring to his short stature).
Although certainly not a below average player, I cannot expect him to advance out of such a deep ODT lineup of players with an abundance of hungry young talents.
![[image loading]](http://teamliquid.net/images/liquibet/players/JulyZerg.jpg)
Before the rise of Savior, when we thought "zerg", we pictured either Yellow or July. Despite not being the most photogenic player, he commands an expansive fanbase purely for his astonishing gamely. Known with nicknames such as "Fat Zerg", "Huge Zerg", "Fat Overlord" as a sign of affection, he is also known originally as "God of War" for his micro-oriented game play and aggressive mindset.
He is the originator of the mutalisk control that has become the standard of zerg play, as well as precision zergling control. However, this revolutionary of zerg play has not seen much personal glory as of late.
After falling to Iloveoov 0-3 during Shinhan 2005 finals, his plays no longer had the same spirit that they once had. His showings in future leagues would be rather lackluster until late 2006. He has experienced a resurgence since, showing his once lost form at the time of MBC vs CJ Proleague Season 2 finals, especially in his game vs Xellos. He displayed an unflappable 1 hatch mutalisk build against Casy. However, in general he does not seem to have recaptured the magic that made him the feared "God of War"
While his play is still unstable, he continues his upward trend to reestablish himself as a dominant zerg player. Whether the "God of War" or the shaky July shows up to the ODT will determine whether he will gain a berth in the 2007 Starleague 1.
![[image loading]](http://teamliquid.net/images/liquibet/players/GGPlay.jpg)
How would one describe GGplay's strength? It soon becomes apparent that it is difficult to point to any one thing that he excels at, or to identify a trademark. Instead ,he is a player without many striking weapons or glaring weaknesses, and does everything at a very very high level.
It is a well roundedness not seen often, and coupled with an unflappable demeanour and stable day-to-day performance, he is a feared opponent on for any match. There is simply nothing one can hope to exploit in his play, as he will adapt to even 3-12 RLT.
If there is a weakness to his play, it is that he cannot pack the extra punch when he needs to. He lacks that definitive weapon that can simply make the opponent roll over and die, like july's mutalisks or savior's defilers. This may be the one thing that sets him back in this ODT, the most installation of the tournament to date.
Because I don't have an adequate grasp of GGplay's playstyle, I've asked Orome to fill in the gaps. Thanks Orome
GGPlay, together with Daezang and Free, is responsible for Hanbit's recent return to success. He had a ridiculous record last season, beating everyone (including Savior). His gamestyle, hmm, I haven't seen too many games of his. I'd say his strength lies in the 'big' game, he is vulnerable to early-game aggression (like vs Iris on Hitchhiker), but when the game turns big, he's a monster (he was unbeatable on Arkanoid for example). Excellent game management, he's a smart Zerg, but at times also incredible muta micro, as shown against FBH in that 12-3 RLT game (and in numerous ZvZ, notably his OSL game on RLT against Gorush). ZvZ is probably his best matchup with ZvT close behind.
- Orome
- Orome
GGPlay had the single best individual record in the last season of 2006. He is also the best player on the Hanbit Stars team, leading the washed-out Junwi. Mostly macro-based, GGPlay's style still boasts a competent micro ability, as ZvZ is his best matchup. GGPlay is high considered by most Korean fans, having been a favorite to win Shinhan OSL2 as well as being a strong force in Shinhan OSL3. GGPlay loves using mutalisks, as shown by his great muta-micro (even without the popular muta+overlord trick used by progamers).
If July has been named God of War, GGPlay should be something similar, like "WarLord." July's game is aggressive, using micro to win battles. Similarly, GGPlay wins battles, but more through smart tactical decisions based on map position and timing, usually catching large enemy armies by surprise and annihilating them. Thus, MBC commentators loudly proclaim GGPlay's fighting ability: "Kim JunYoung fights so extremely well!"
GGPlay's Matchup: ZvZ > ZvP > ZvT
- WhatisProtoss
If July has been named God of War, GGPlay should be something similar, like "WarLord." July's game is aggressive, using micro to win battles. Similarly, GGPlay wins battles, but more through smart tactical decisions based on map position and timing, usually catching large enemy armies by surprise and annihilating them. Thus, MBC commentators loudly proclaim GGPlay's fighting ability: "Kim JunYoung fights so extremely well!"
GGPlay's Matchup: ZvZ > ZvP > ZvT
- WhatisProtoss
![[image loading]](http://teamliquid.net/images/liquibet/players/Sea.Jy.jpg)
I am somewhat sheepish to say that despite seeing his name numerous times in qualifying leagues and even Shinhan 3, I still have no idea what Jy looks like or plays like. The fact that he has qualified for a major league gives him some credibility, but bowing out in the ro24 takes away a good deal of that credit.
He did get quite far in Survivor League, a format that is not kind to any player. He is a solid player who can press all the buttons, but he is going to need an extra gear to get past the ODT for this season.
Jang Wook was once hailed as the new rising Zerg star. He boasted a ZvP record which even surpassed Savior's for a short amount of time, nearly reaching an outstanding 80%. However, his ZvZ is suspect as he usually fails under pressure and makes critical mistakes in build or micro. His play style was likened to the embodiment of the zerg swarms due to his ability to effectively control his entire armies as if the units were moving simultaneously under one will.
Give this kid more time under the spotlight and he will start to conquer not only his nerves, but the best players out there. His play is only sub-par due to his nervousness, not lack of skill.
- WhatisProtoss
Give this kid more time under the spotlight and he will start to conquer not only his nerves, but the best players out there. His play is only sub-par due to his nervousness, not lack of skill.
- WhatisProtoss
![[image loading]](http://teamliquid.net/images/liquibet/players/Silver.jpg)
A player who seems to have a near-invincible ZvP. I believe he has an impressive winstreak against Protosses going on right now, riding the strength of his ungodly hydralisk timing and control. Fast Expanding Protosses are pretty much dead meat against his hydra rush.
Despite having a 2nd place finish in a MSL, he is widely unaccepted as a top player. It owes to him not having very many ZvT or ZvZ games in his resume in an age where zerg players are expected to have immaculate mutalisk control and efficient defiler use.
Aside from his ZvP, his gameplay often does not receive the light of day. In fact I myself am not exactly certain of his vsT and vsZ abilities.
![[image loading]](http://teamliquid.net/images/liquibet/players/n.Die_Jaedong.jpg)
"The next zerg powerhouse" as he is called, he amassed the most dominating record in Proleague season 2 play. He has shown truly top level performances both in ZvsT and ZvsZ, especially against Light and Savior, respectively.
However he is afflicted with a less than average ZvsP, quite unusual from a zerg player of this day and age. This might be a point of worry if he gets into a group with a strong Protoss. I cannot seem to forget the 2-0 drubbing Free[gm] gave him during Survivor League.
If he gets no top level protosses (there are only one or two of those this ODT), expect him to advance to Starleague.
![[image loading]](http://teamliquid.net/images/liquibet/players/Shark%5Bgm%5D.jpg)
Dubbed the "muta master" by the gimmicky MSL production team, this nickname does not give a fair assessment of this player. In fact, in terms of pure mutalisk control, july, jaedong and savior are ahead of Shark. In describing Shark, I would use the term "unpolished diamond". In comparison to a player like GGplay, whose play has somewhat reached a high but stable level, Shark has the potential to dramatically improve given the right circumstances.
His defiler play and unit control are still unpolished, as evidenced by his games during PSL. However, his constant drops and harassment techniques point to a competent multitasking ability. His ZvZ is "real", as he was used as a sniper against savior during Superfight 4, and has defeated Zergman 2-0 in the MSL preliminaries. Defeating Fantasy, Spear and Sheis for PSL, he managed to get through quite a tough road to get to the ODT.
While it is doubtful that he will advance from this ODT, he is a player who could suddenly "click" and surface during 2007. Don't be surprised when he does.
![[image loading]](http://teamliquid.net/images/liquibet/players/noimage.jpg)
An unknown to me, this zerg player went through Kim Hongmin, Bassen[fou] and NC..YellOw to reach the ODT. The only recognizable name here is YellOw, but we know that Hong Jinho is a mere shadow of his former self (although said shadow is a bit bigger than in previous years), and his games showed rather poor unit control throught their duration. ODT will not be kind to him, I would imagine.
I unfortunately do not know anything about this player. For PSL, he defeated Tossgirl, Rainbow, then Cloud. I suppose defeating Cloud and Rainbow is somewhat significant, but then again, those players have not been up to par for the good part of 2006. It would be a monumental upset if he were to get through the ODT.
![[image loading]](http://teamliquid.net/images/liquibet/players/JiHyun.jpg)
Ditto above. I have seen his name from time to time, but nothing particularly caught my eye thus far. He went through NsP_darling, NsP_flower, then Saint[z-zone], none of whom are of the calibur of players seen in the ODT. Nothing indicates that he will reach the Starleague at this stage in his career.
edit: After a comment from IdrA, it was revealed that he was in fact a player in Shinhan 2 (did anyone remember this? =/). He went 1-2 in his groups, winning against Chojja while losing against Bisu and FBH. In the tiebreakers he would defeat Chojja but lose to FBH again. In the wildcards, he would go 0-2 against July and TT. All in all, he went 2-5, beating Chojja who was at the beginning of his decline.
![[image loading]](http://teamliquid.net/images/liquibet/players/Luxury%5BGsP%5D.jpg)
The identical twin brother of Yellow[arnc], Luxury has never shown spectacular levels of play until very recently. However, he showed us an all-kill of KTF during Kespa Cup, downing Hery, Yellow and Sync. He also defeated Light on Arcadia II in the finals against MBC game. Considering Light's strength in TvZ and his dominance on Arcadia, this serves to cement Luxury's steady and certain rise in skill level.
He defeated Junitoss and Odin to get through PSL, while besting jaurim[fou], Mumyung and Rock to get through to survivor. While these players are not "top" players, they are certainly competent players with an acceptable amount of experience (especially for survivor).
The odds are against Luxury qualifying for this OSL, but we can surely expect to see him in multiple major leagues in the near future. I am happy to see that one twin is not too far behind the other.
