As the GomTV2 MBCGame Starleague moves on to it’s 4th week, we are treated with some magnificent matchups despite the fact that the group is once again overrun by Terrans. As always, if you want an overview of the tournament’s progression, see jkillashark’s results and standings thread.
If last week’s Group B was “The Group of Death”, this week’s Group D must be “The Group of Awesome”. We have Boxer and Nal_Ra, the most entertaining and crowd pleasing players of their respective races, facing off in what promises to be a battle of epic proportions. On the other side we have two of the most talented young Terrans in the game today, who might actually manage to wow us with their skill and style, paying no heed to the typically bland nature of the TvT matchup.
Group D: May 24th – 18:30 Korean Game 1 – Nal_Ra (P) vs. Boxer (T) @ Python Game 2 – Canata (T) vs. Braq (AKA Firebathero) (T) @ Monty Hall Winners @ Desperado Losers @ Desperado Winner/Loser x2 @ Loki
Nal_Ra (P) vs. Boxer (T)
@ Python
The Dreamer meets the Emperor once again. While I don’t know the exact statistics between these two players I can honestly say I can’t remember the last time Boxer stole a game from Ra. If history is any indicator, the Emperor is in for a tough time. These two met in a recent ProLeague match on Monty Hall, which ended in signature Boxer fashion with a spectacular string of locked-down-and-destroyed Carriers... and a thorough face smashing there after from a wave of lot/goon. However, Boxer rolls over for no opponent and has been bragging somewhat about his newly refined TvP skills. Perhaps he wrote off that PL game and has saved a special strategy for this one.
Canata (T) vs. Braq (T)
@ Monty Hall
We will certainly be watching a lot of TvT with 17 Terrans in the tournament, but this matchup doesn’t seem so bad. Canata is an incredible talent from SKT1, and much like his team mate midas, he has had mixed success in major leagues due to nerves. Braq on the other hand has shown flair in the TvT matchup with some memorable and entertaining games against players like Up.Magic and of course, his string of victories against the Emperor himself, which gave him his initial taste of fame while bursting on to the scene. There certainly is potential for a good game here. You won’t see me complaining about Terrans like this after having to suffer through watching 910 and go.go duke it out. Count your blessings people. As for the favourite going into the match, there are mixed opinions. The liquibet voters here at TL have given Canata the edge, 382 to 264. In my opinion, it’s the same as every match that Canata plays in. It depends entirely on whether he shows up, or if he borrows a chicken bone from midas and embarrasses himself. He’s the better player in most people’s eyes, but Braq is exactly the type of hungry youngin' that could steal his glory.
Remaining Games
This group is all about the 3 Terrans. Ra could sail through this group fairly easily if he faces Braq in the winners match. However, if he faces a collected and calm Canata on the reverse-balance double gas battle fields of Desperado, he could be in big trouble. Boxer, on the other hand, will likely be playing a couple of very important TvTs after losing the first game to Ra. Best case scenario, we see Ra rape his way through the group with solid games, joined by Boxer in the winners circle after some hard fought TvT victories. I can’t imagine anyone is hoping to see either of the other two advance, so let’s cross our fingers for the Dreamer and Emperor to succeed.
On May 23 2007 16:58 Pressure wrote: but ra has like a 9:5 win ratio against boxer damn, i want all 4 of these to advance somehow t.t
It really is a shame, but these are the groups we got. At least there isn't one lame player in there that can steal one of the spots and eliminate 2 good players.
On May 23 2007 16:57 Tyrio wrote: Didn't Boxer beat Ra two MSLs ago? The one he had to leave midway for the army?
Yes, much to the distain of DJEtterStyle. Ra went on to progress, though he was apparently undeserving, after reentering the tournament when Boxer left.
On May 23 2007 17:01 GrandInquisitor wrote: who the fuck is braq
That's his ID on Kespa and also the ID he plays under in televised games. I figured it's more "official" or whatever. These name changers drive me crazy too.
If the consensus is that firebathero is the ensconsed name that he is now stuck with whether he likes it or not (like Casy ) I'll use that from now on.
On May 23 2007 17:17 GrandInquisitor wrote: oh it's FireBatHero?! wtf haha
lamezorz
what does Casy play under now?
On the 18th in his OSL game against UpMagic he played under "Sparkyz AdamaS".
Freakin' name flopping goof can call himself whatever he wants. He's Casy and that's it.
I can tolorate one name change if it's consistent and timely, but this constant ID flipping it purely cosmetic and meaningless. Whatever novelty he derives from it is lost on me.
I just read the results Anyways. Just before Boxer went to the army. He played in August 2006 against Ra (MSL, group stage). And he fucking OWNED him like I have never seen before. He went 3 CC. Fucking unbelievable...
EPT
![[image loading]](http://www.teamliquid.net/staff/KizZBG/gomtvmslbanner.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://www.teamliquid.net/images/liquibet/players/Nal_rA.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://www.teamliquid.net/images/liquibet/players/Boxer.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://www.teamliquid.net/images/liquibet/players/Canata.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://www.teamliquid.net/images/liquibet/players/Firebathero.jpg)
