It's time for the final weekend of the RazerTSL, and do we have some nice games prepared for you. We start Saturday with the Protoss-killer Brat_OK facing off against the lone US ranger, Nony. Both have showed some incredible games to get this far, and the games will be nail-biters, as they both play for amazing prizes. Just a reminder of what they can win:
Fourth place will win $500, as well as a seed into next season's LDT1. This means that the fourth place will have the equivalent position of this season's Ladder Stage winner, a big advantage in qualifying for the next season.
Third place will win double the money at a nice $1000, as well as a seed into next season's TSL. This means that not only does the third place winner guarantee himself a minimum of $100 further dollars from next season's TSL, he also avoids having to go through the tough ladder season, and the LDT1/2. A big big prize, even for third place.
Now, we all know BRAT quite well from his TSL interviews, but the Nony interviews have gotten slightly less attention so far. In order to rectify the, Mynock has done an exclusive Nony interview for this third place match. Here is what Nony had to say:
You didn't make it into the finals. Consequently, you didn't manage to snatch any of Draco's fans. Do you think any of your fans have now defected over to Draco?
Haha perhaps. I think if any more fans gravitate toward Draco, they'll turn into a black hole. I'd be cautious.
It seemed you had the advantage a couple times during your games vs Draco - what do you think hindered you in converting that advantage into victory?
My decision to go low-econ combined with micro mistakes is what kept me from victory. That's a deadly combo.
What do you think of the way Draco played?
Good, solid performance. Nothing out of the ordinary.
Quite a lot of your shuttles have fallen, especially in the first game.
Yeah, some bad mistakes. Well, they're kinda mistakes and kinda bad luck. I think a few were pretty close calls. If I micro better, I can take the luck out of it and keep them alive. As it was, I left it to chance whether they lived or died. Draco didn't miss his opportunities.
You've made an impotent templar-drop due to lack of storm tech. Was that nervousness, pressure?
I don't think so. I believe I remembered to research storm and simply tried when I didn't have 200/200 or misclicked. That's not as bad of a mistake but it looks the same.
Still, you went so far nevertheless - have you ever thought of doing so well when you started TSL? What was the main reason for you to join the tourney (money - glory)?
I have believed that I could win the TSL from the start. I joined the tourney for a bit of everything, I guess. I suppose the main thing is just to celebrate BW. If I got no money, and we all played anonymously, then I'd still take a lot of joy in playing the games and knowing that BW fans are watching them and enjoying them. But of course I accept glory and money with open arms
Draco mentioned you quitting the games without saying "gg" - he considered it bm on your side.
I just made a post in the TSL Finals interview thread about this. Basically, I believe it was simple miscommunication and neither me nor Draco have any negative feelings toward each other. If I knew he'd feel disrespected, then I would say gg to show my respect.
What are your predictions for the finals? You will surely be rooting for Draco?
I will surely be rooting for my teammate, JF. Like all TSL matches, this one is tough to predict and I refuse to try.
Your next opponent will be BratOk, who has shown some strong skills vs P, and even defeated you when you last met, in the round of 32.
I defeated him in the ladder stage 5-0.
Will the upcoming matchup (PvT) be favorable for you, or do you prefer PvP?
I prefer PvP.
Think the maps will be on your side, rather than your opponent's?
I think the maps are fairly neutral here.
You already have $500 and can get 500 more. But you can also get a seed into the next top 16 with a victory. Which is more important for you here - the money or the pride?
The pride. Making a goal to improve and be successful at something, like I have done at BW, and then fulfilling that goal, is worth more to me than whatever I'd do with the extra $500.
You probably have seen your own games, what does it feel like, did you like how you were represented in the commentaries?
I was unable to watch my match with Draco although I normally would have.
There are high security measures during the games to insure they are abuse-free. Anything that inconvenienced you?
No. The TSL has been a pleasure to participate in.
Do you intend on giving your best to go far in the next season as well?
If my schedule will allow it, and I think it will, then yes.
Expecting to see you in the next season then, and good luck in the upcoming games!
Thank you.
Some big words from Nony there - he seems confident that he can qualify for next season's TSL tonight. As he says though, it's all about the pride.
Of course, the main attraction of the TSL is also happening this weekend, with the Grand Finals on sunday. As you all know, we have the Polish legend Draco up against the Canadian shuttle master IefNaij, fighting for the grand prize of $5000, but we'll have more details on those games tomorrow.
So far the players have all commented on how much they enjoy the fan support, and today you have another chance to show your support to your favourite player. You can either use the standard cheerful templates:
+ Show Spoiler [Standard Templates] +
Or you can use the brilliant new template by Sigurn, made specifically for the finals:
Finally, show your support for Razer, by taking advantage of the wonderful TSL exclusive special they have made. Buy any product for $50.00 or more, and you get a brand new Razer Mantis gaming surface, worth $25.00 for free! More information is available on the TSL forums here.
So, until tonight, show your support for your favourite player here, and get everyone you know to watch what promises to be some of the best foreign SC games ever! See you there!