EPT
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It’s hard to believe that there’s only two weeks left in the Razer TSL. After this round of semifinals we are straight into the finals next week with one of the following four players walking home $5000 richer. At this stage the minimum they will be leaving with is $500 – but each one is capable of adding that extra zero, and they are all working hard to get there. This brings us to an interesting point in the tournament – where boys become men, the rich get richer, those if you cannot stand the heat get kicked out of the kitchen and where your biggest enemy is yourself. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the end game.
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So what’s in store in this news post. Well we’ve got some relatively tame predictions, a general outline of what’s going down this weekend, and an extensive interview with everybody’s favorite Russian – BRAT_OK thanks to Rus_Brain. But before we move on, let me remind everyone that there is more on the line here than just money – there is national pride to uphold, there is clan pride to maintain, there is a point to prove to all the naysayers, and most importantly – three valuable seeds for the next TSL up for grabs. Also don't forget to check out Last Romantic's great MSL recap and Daigomi's excellent proleauge update. So without any more interruptions, lets get into it;
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Nony and Draco were the two heavy weight protoss bearing down on the TSL Ro16 and have mercilessly crushed all opponents in getting here. The Villainous Draco is out to steal the TSL cash away from our valiant American and is going to do so by not practicing. Indeed this is a clash between good and evil; and sadly in most cases of Starcraft history – the villain tends to win. The question is, will the TSL have its storybook ending with our heroic protagonist, Nony, sounding the triumphant horn of victory after defeating the scourge of Poland?
Let’s break it down into maps. Nony has a significant advantage in terms of maps purely because he is training on them extensively, and has trained throughout this tournament to stay in peak condition. Draco on the hand is still ‘learning’ the maps. Nony should be able to come away with a decent strategical advantage from this point alone. However, Draco showed that he, like most super-villains, has nerves of steel. In slaying the beast from the east he was always one game behind; only taking the lead in the 5th and final set. He can handle pressure well and that plays to his advantage. Nony hasn’t been tested as thoroughly thus far, but I have a feeling he will cope just fine – but the edge still goes to Count Draco.
In terms of mechanics and play style I’m going to have to give Nony the edge. Draco has stated that he does not know who Nony is – which is understandable seeing as he only rose to prominence after Draco retired. Nony will have studied Draco’s games extensively, what with 5 PvPs played just last week. He will be able to prepare many times better than Draco, even if he was to prepare at all. Thus in conclusion – I’m going to have to go with Nony taking this probably 3-1, possibly 3-2. And thus, our Hero advances.
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While noticed by TL and the wider community, both of these players were underdogs compared to the likes of Mondragon, Draco and Nony. All of that has changed. BRAT has been caught in a whirlwind of momentum after defeating Nony in the qualifiers and recently Dreiven in the Ro8 – he is showing the true power of Russian Terran. While IefNaij has been showing us a different side to Protoss. His unique style has been refreshing amongst a relatively similar Protoss lineup. His focus on harass and strong mechanics have propelled him into the SemiFinals and looks to take down the rising BRAT.
Of course, one has to ask who will end up winning at the end of the day – after last weeks performances, I’m really liking BRAT to take it. Firstly, if we look at who each of these players have been playing – things really look good for BRAT. IefNaij has primarily been playing non-Terran opponents, what with the plethora of Protoss and Zerg in the tournament. While BRAT has been working on his PvT quite substantially lately – with wins against Nony and Dreiven to name a few. And those wins were damned impressive too – 3-0’ing one of the best Polish Protoss is an impressive feat – and on strong Protoss maps the feat is amplified. While I don’t doubt that JF will come prepared, I just think that in terms of length of preparation for this match – BRAT has a significant advantage.
Let’s look at it map by map. First up we have Wuthering Heights. While the majority of TL disagree with me, I don’t think Wuthering is that bad of a map for Terran against Protoss. The map still leaves a lot to be decided by skill, and I think this map suits BRAT quite well. While I don’t doubt that JF will bring his A game, I think this map is better suited for BRAT. Blue Storm is the map for game 2 and another map which should be good for BRAT. Non-Koreans haven’t quite grasp how to play PvT on bluestorm yet –which makes this a difficult game to call. I honestly feel that BRAT will win here – but I wouldn’t be surprised if JF took it if he techs Carrier. Thirdly we have Othello; where the longer the game goes, the better it is for JF. This map is great for JFs style but because it’s a midgame/lategame style BRAT would be wise to end the game quickly. That being said, I think JF will be able to win here. Zodiac is a map which is just so suited to JF’s style that he should waltz all over BRAT. Unless BRAT does an all in, I don’t see JF dropping Zodiac. Lastly we have Wuthering again, and for the same reasoning I feel Brat will take it, and hence the series 3-2.
While we are on the subject of BRAT check out this exclusive interview conducted by Kirill Patyrykin, better known as Rus_Brain around TL.
![[image loading]](http://www.teamliquid.net/staff/Plexa/TSL_finalsseries/brat.png)
Let's start with Pavel's nickname "BRAT_OK". It's a bit hard for a non-Russian to understand meaning... something like "Ill-mannered child _ OK"... This is totally not the case.
In Russian grammar there are same meaning suffixes OK and IK (which sound short. I mean not like "ouk" or "okay", but just very short "ok"/"eek"). Added to word they make the word mean ''little''. It depends on a word, which suffix should be used. I can't explain when you should use IK or OK... It's just a language, you know. Anyway, the right word (grammatically right) is BratIK - which means little/younger brother.
But...
Let's look through Russian criminal history of the 90’s.
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After USSR was dismissed, it was very easy to find guns and stuff. Combine this with lack of education and you get an optimum environment for gangsters. All the gangsters were part of a their groups, and called themselves "bratva" (word is close to "brotherhood", but it's grammatically wrong). And a member of that brotherhood was a brother - "bratok". So we used this wrong grammar of "OK" instead "IK", and get a new word with a new meaning. This word means not "little brother", but a gangster.
The situation is more comic, as Brat's name is Pavel. It can be also be called as "Pakhan" (some deformed way, as previous words), which means the Godfather of Mafia.
Thus his nickname is some kind of pun in Russian.
Here's some transcription of Pakhan and Bratok words:
![[image loading]](http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/5951/002pn8.jpg)
Ok, now you know what his name means. Next is the interview.
Some of questions were already asked (and Brat answered, though his English is not that good), some of the questions were asked additionally via PM, and some questions were asked by fans here. I apologize for any unanswered questions and “deformed” question, but it's better than nothing
.Congratulations! Many people are cheering for you since you are the only non-Protoss left.
BRAT_OK: Many thanks to all who waited for my victory.
Which maps did you feel confident on?
BRAT_OK: Every map seemed difficult for me.
What did you think of Dreiven's play?
BRAT_OK: I really think he was very nervous. He could play twice better.
Were you worried during that huge attack during Game 1?
BRAT_OK: I really did.
How much did you practice for this series? Who did you practice with?
BRAT_OK: I have played about 20 games with Localhost
Game 2 was a relatively easy game on Blue Storm. Did you expect it to be so easy?
BRAT_OK: Nope. I just chose a risky way, And it succeeded
Where did you get your dropship strategy for Game 3?
BRAT_OK: My invention.
You are relatively unknown, but your play was better than A2, Ex, and other more known Russian players. Why are you so good now?
BRAT_OK: I'm lucky.
Are you enjoying the TSL so far? What do you think of the tournament?
BRAT_OK: I do! The best online tournament so far.
You are a relatively quiet person, just coming at the match times and playing with very few words. Is this because of your time in the army? Can you tell us how your time there changed you as a person and as a Starcraft player?
BRAT_OK: I don't think the Russian Army changed something. But being in Armed Forces I wanted to play so much!
Were you nervous at all during the matches?
BRAT_OK: Yes. I was very nervous.
Your next opponent will be Excello.IefNaij. Are you confident? What do you think of him?
BRAT_OK: Very difficult match. For both of us.
Many threads were started about you on TL.net Many people are cheering for you now. There was even one thread asking you to change your name to BRAT_PRO.
BRAT_OK: Hahahaha! I read this thread on TL.net, but unfortunately I am far from PRO. I'd like to thank all my fans for cheering!
What can you say about tournament coverage?
BRAT_OK: That's very close to Korean Pro scene. Great Job!
Did you watch VODs your own?
BRAT_OK: Yup. Every VOD with a terran playing.
If you would make it to finals, whom you prefer to play with?
BRAT_OK: Both Draco and NonY are monsters! But I prefer NonY, as I already defeated him.
What are your best games in TSL?
BRAT_OK: They would be played. Not "were".
Tell us, what's so special in TSL, many players liked it?
BRAT_OK: It's just very good in common. Good system, you know...
Something to improve in next TSL?
BRAT_OK: Everything is perfect.
Do you have some playing nickname fans gave? What's that?
BRAT_OK: I did not hear. And I cant think something out by myself. It's not fair to fans.
What do you think of fame?
BRAT_OK: Nice feeling. But I don't deserve it.
What is the difference between Russian and "foreign" SC community?
BRAT_OK: There are tons of unknowns but very good players.
Who is you SC idol?
BRAT_OK: Boxer. He can do some David Blaine's street magic in StarCraft.
Do you plan to win WCG after TSL?
BRAT_OK: I will take part in it. Though it's extremely hard to pass Russian qualification.
Seems like no one heard about you before TSL. Where have you been?
BRAT_OK: Russian Armed Forces.
Would you like to take part in TL:Attack?
BRAT_OK: Sure I do.
Who is you favorite StarCraft player?
BRAT_OK: Was asked. Boxer for sure. He thinks more than clicks.
How much you practice?
BRAT_OK: About 3 hours a day. But I have no system.
What are you doung except playing tons of games? Watching your replays? Your opponent replays? Some VODs?
BRAT_OK: If it's a new map, first I'm making a singleplayer game with Protoss (checking my TvP for example), I'm using cheats to make 200/200 limit, and then I'm making some experiments, kinda where should I place my Gateways, where should I build pylons and other tactical things. Next I'm playing on iCCup with a Terran, then I'm checking a replay very carefully.
What's your best point? Micro? Macro? Multitasking?
BRAT_OK: I think I have no special point expect I'm being unexpected.
Your best MU?
BRAT_OK: I think it's TvT
Favorite alcohol?
BRAT_OK: H2O
Describe you feeling after you smashed Dreiven? Especially when most of fans told you have to lose, coz Dreiven outplayed Mondragon?
BRAT_OK: I have very happy... What can I say?
What do you think of your TSL handmade picture?
BRAT_OK: It's rather cool
Your victories: Luck of Skill?
BRAT_OK: Definitely luck.
Why do have so strange HotKeys? Ctrl-1 is a factory, 2-7 are your troops, and 8-0 Scans. I mean you use ctrl-1-1 instead of ctrl-f2 for example?
BRAT_OK: It's my sign. Means I have played, and no one else
J/K. It's just suits me better,Most annoying thing from a T, P and Z?
BRAT_OK: P's and Z's extreme mobility, and fast-BC from a Terran.
What's you way to deal with some all-in strategies? 5pool, fast Dark, proxy robo, etc.
BRAT_OK: Well... Everything could be countered. If I expect some cheese from protoss, I'd play safe with a well-defended FE. And 5pool... Well it's not so hard to outmicro these lings with your 1-2 Rines and couple of workers.
Why do you have such a low APM?
BRAT_OK: I hate fake clicks. Means up to 90% of my clicks are needed to be done.
Are you Darth Vader's scion?
BRAT_OK: :DDD YES!
Do you like BBQ?
BRAT_OK: My favourite meal!
Do you have some special start before a game? Like shaking hands, or I dont know... Praying?
BRAT_OK: Everything I should do is not to think about victory. It's what I can't do right now.
Do you play with Ex, A2, Androide? What's the score?
BRAT_OK: Sorry, I do not count. And we could not play with Droide yet.
Why are Russian Terrans so good outside Korea?
BRAT_OK: Androide, EX, A2, Escape, yAn[S2]... They are just 31337. Nothing to add
What should you do with $5k if you won?
BRAT_OK: I would buy two bikes: for me and my friend.
Your favourite color (in game)?
BRAT_OK: I don't like green and red. Others are ok for me.
What's the answer of life?
BRAT_OK: Being eighty you can say your life is important.
Your chances to win TSL?
BRAT_OK: Above zero.
Once again thanks to Kirill Patyrykin aka RoX.Rus_Brain (team RoX manager) for this interview and insight into one of the TSL giants. And I'm sure many people are supporting BRAT this weekend!
So once again we have a great line up in store for you – so don’t miss out on history in the making; the first ever Semi-Finals for the TSL. There’s bound to be cool moves, cheese, drama and excitement throughout these series so join the TSL commentators and these great players on the weekend for what will be an epic occasion.
- TSL Staff
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