EPT
+ Show Spoiler [RO32 interview by storywriter] +
How do you feel being back in Code S?
I expected to be eliminated so I am glad to be advancing to ro16 in first place. I am feeling great. I was initially really nervous tonight. My coach bought me some chewing gum after hearing that chewing gum can help with the nerves but ever since I was young, I wasn’t able to chew gum for longer than 30 seconds. I always end up swallowing. I swallowed the gum seven times playing tonight.
If you had to evaluate your own games?
Honestly, it was only half as good as when I play for real. I was terrible tonight. I’m not too fond of Sets 2 and 3 against Seed. In Set 2, I was at least playing okay despite losing. However, for Set 3, the game dragged out for way too long even though it was basically a won game for me. On top, I thought the centre bases were gold like in the ladder version. I always feel my chest after a match and today, my heart was racing.
The consensus is that Terran is having a hard time but you smashed through both Protosses today.
I have my own solution. In a best of x series, the psychological aspect is important. If you vary your builds slightly, the Protoss has to think on how to adapt. I relied heavily on that aspect of play.
You had aggressive play today
The community seems to think that I learn from Marineking but we’re actually not that close (laugh). I studied and developed my style on my own. I was already changing up my style when I was last in Code S ro4 but the fans seem to have forgotten.
You have advanced to Code S ro16. How far do you think you can go?
If I get a lucky group in the nominations, I think I can make at least ro8. In practice, I feel that my play is worthy of Code S but I always leave a lot to be desired in GSL games. That’s why I am being realistic with the goal of reaching ro8.
How do you think is the fans’ reaction to you nowadays?
I think it’s settled down a lot. Different communities have different opinions of course. I think they are being easy on me since I keep winning despite Terran having a difficult time at the moment. Still, I can’t stop everyone from criticising me.
Do you make it your personal goal to prove your skill?
Of course. I want to improve my image through skill. However, I’m not sure I did that with today’s performance. I’ll have to do better from now on.
Your opinion on TvZ lately?
You have to last. You have to keep up in economy and go to the extreme late game. My turtling style is suitable for this. I don’t think there’s a way out other than this. Still, I’m not too confident about beating a Zerg in ro16 if I meet one. Well, actually, I’m not confident any of the races (laugh).
Anything to add?
FXOTear helped me a lot. Creator and Classic as well as SlayerSPuzzle also have my thanks. Puzzle keeps telling me to make a special mention of him but I have no idea what to say. A lot of people are asking me about how my puppy is doing and he’s growing up very well and I’m thinking about having him mate.
I expected to be eliminated so I am glad to be advancing to ro16 in first place. I am feeling great. I was initially really nervous tonight. My coach bought me some chewing gum after hearing that chewing gum can help with the nerves but ever since I was young, I wasn’t able to chew gum for longer than 30 seconds. I always end up swallowing. I swallowed the gum seven times playing tonight.
If you had to evaluate your own games?
Honestly, it was only half as good as when I play for real. I was terrible tonight. I’m not too fond of Sets 2 and 3 against Seed. In Set 2, I was at least playing okay despite losing. However, for Set 3, the game dragged out for way too long even though it was basically a won game for me. On top, I thought the centre bases were gold like in the ladder version. I always feel my chest after a match and today, my heart was racing.
The consensus is that Terran is having a hard time but you smashed through both Protosses today.
I have my own solution. In a best of x series, the psychological aspect is important. If you vary your builds slightly, the Protoss has to think on how to adapt. I relied heavily on that aspect of play.
You had aggressive play today
The community seems to think that I learn from Marineking but we’re actually not that close (laugh). I studied and developed my style on my own. I was already changing up my style when I was last in Code S ro4 but the fans seem to have forgotten.
You have advanced to Code S ro16. How far do you think you can go?
If I get a lucky group in the nominations, I think I can make at least ro8. In practice, I feel that my play is worthy of Code S but I always leave a lot to be desired in GSL games. That’s why I am being realistic with the goal of reaching ro8.
How do you think is the fans’ reaction to you nowadays?
I think it’s settled down a lot. Different communities have different opinions of course. I think they are being easy on me since I keep winning despite Terran having a difficult time at the moment. Still, I can’t stop everyone from criticising me.
Do you make it your personal goal to prove your skill?
Of course. I want to improve my image through skill. However, I’m not sure I did that with today’s performance. I’ll have to do better from now on.
Your opinion on TvZ lately?
You have to last. You have to keep up in economy and go to the extreme late game. My turtling style is suitable for this. I don’t think there’s a way out other than this. Still, I’m not too confident about beating a Zerg in ro16 if I meet one. Well, actually, I’m not confident any of the races (laugh).
Anything to add?
FXOTear helped me a lot. Creator and Classic as well as SlayerSPuzzle also have my thanks. Puzzle keeps telling me to make a special mention of him but I have no idea what to say. A lot of people are asking me about how my puppy is doing and he’s growing up very well and I’m thinking about having him mate.
+ Show Spoiler [RO16 interview by storywriter] +
You are back in ro8 after one whole year. How do you feel?
Great. Ro8 means you have a Code S spot for next season and I’m happy because I can play without any pressure from now on.
You advanced in first place. That must make it even better.
To be honest, I didn’t practise any TvT for today. There were two Protosses so I focused on them and somehow I won a TvT to advance in first place.
Keen played very aggressively. How did you deal with this?
I didn’t practise TvT but I did watch Keen’s VODs. He used the build that Gumiho once used against him. Despite having seen the build in action, I still took a lot of damage from the hellions and thought about just typing in GG. I kept playing without giving up and thanks to Keen’s mistake with stim, I was able to win.
In the winner’s match, you had two games where you had 200 army battles.
I didn’t expect Genius to pick Whirlwind for Set 2. I thought I was done for after I found out it was cross-positions spawn. I used a build that I had prepared for another map and it didn’t work. I tried to end it early by being aggressive but my opponent held out and the game dragged on. I could have finished it earlier but I made a mistake with the rally and my army was split over several places.
You have qualified for OSL and now advanced to ro8 in GSL. Your comeback is complete.
Not quite. I’m not too happy about my performance today. I was too nervous. Of course my goal was to get to ro8 and secure a spot in Code S and I have realised it.
Next time, I’ll try to play more relaxed.
How far will you go before you say you are back?
I’ve made it as far as ro4 before so I think I should go at least that far.
Did you talk to MKP after he was eliminated in ro16?
We didn’t talk about his being eliminated and I don’t think he’s too hung up on it either. He’s very strong mentally. At the moment, he complains that TvZ is difficult and is collecting various builds. I recommended a build to MKP for his OSL qualifier. He lost a game that he had basically won because he stuffed up. Then, he has the nerve to blame the loss on me (laugh).
Anything to add?
I want to thank my practice partners Tear, MC, Top, Creator, Classic, and Maru.
I saw that Coca qualified for OSL. I want to congratulate him. Also, I think I was a bit vague in my OSL qualifier interview. I couldn’t get the meaning across that I wanted. I want to take this opportunity to apologise for that mistake.
Lastly, in two days, I’m the first player in our GSTL match so I hope to have a great game against Alicia. Alicia is a player I like very much.
+ Show Spoiler [Quarterfinals interview by storywriter] +
How do you feel taking down Nestea to advance to ro4?
I last got into ro4 on the 20th of July last year and it’s a similar time this year so it felt like I could advance once more. I am feeling fantastic.
Were you aware that Metropolis, the map used in Set 1, did not have a neutral supply depot at the bottom of the ramp?
I was. I played against Coca on Metropolis last week and found out then. I checked in VODs of other players and made sure before preparing this strategy.
Your TvZ hasn’t been great since your return.
Honestly though, I’m very confident in the match up. For some reason, I get really nervous in official matches and lose. Even today, I was worried that nerves would get to me but looking at TiG’s winner predictions, I saw that one of the reporters predicted my victory. That article gave me the confidence I needed.
Did you expect a 3:0 victory?
My win rate in practice was excellent. I played 5 games each against practice partners and I usually went 4:1 or 5:0. So I knew that as long as I took the first set, I would go 3:0.
Is Terran okay against Zerg now?
I think we’re over it. In late game, battlecruisers supported by ravens can beat Zerg. The solution has been found.
You seemed to be taking it easy today.
The coach usually buys cheap $5 ‘Cheong Sim Hwan’ (T/N: herbal medicine that calms you down) but today he bought the good stuff. He said he spent more money on purpose to help me. I think that’s why I didn’t get nervous at all during the games.
You are the final Terran in this season.
There have been two times when there was only a single Terran in the ro4 and both times it’s been me. I’m very happy and proud to be the final Terran.
You face Seed in ro4.
I beat him in ro32 already so I will play with confidence. As long as I take Set 1, I should go 3:0.
You have been using strategies centred around the siege tank against Protoss lately
That strategy wasn’t planned. However, my opponent picked Whirldwind which was totally unexpected so I improvised on the spot but it turned out rather well. It was a defeat but I think it can be a great strategy with some refinement nonetheless.
Are you confident about reaching the finals?
Just like how I made it into ro4 similar to last year, I fear I may be eliminated in ro4 once again. However, my return to top form is complete so I will aim for the finals. I will play without caring about the pressure. I think I can do well that way.
Anything to add?
I want to thank Coca who helped with practice as well as BboongBboon, Salmosa and Aria. There were more people who helped with practice but I forgot to bring the list of names with me today. I want to say that I am grateful regardless.
Annyeong, who I am very close to, is retiring so I wish him the best of luck.
seed:
+ Show Spoiler [RO32 interview by storywriter] +
How does it feel to reach Code S ro16 for the first time?
I feel fantastic, not much else to say, really. In my interview for U&D, I said that I found a new method of practice and that method is finally bearing its fruit which is very satisfying.
In the second match against Curious, you used a hallucination warp prism strategy in Set 1.
I wasn’t supposed to have the third scouted. Once scouted, the build no longer works. As I saw that one Zergling, I knew that my opponent understood what I was doing and that my build was about to fail. I was playing the game knowing that I was behind. Then, after defending consistently, I noticed my food count had reached 170 (laugh). It felt like I would win with an attack so I went for it once I maxed out. I had a feeling this might cause Curious to break down mentally and that I would take the next set easily.
In your final match against Curious, you once again had a difficult time taking Set 1 but took Set 2 easily.
Frankly, Daybreak and Whirlwind are Zerg maps. I had already made up my mind not to go for macro builds on these maps. My build was a different kind of timing rush compared to other Protoss builds so it’s harder for the Zerg to defend. If they only start reacting after I am outside their natural, they can never stop it.
Did you expect to take the match once you had taken Set 1 and Whirlwind was chosen for Set 2?
It was expected. I had only two practice matches on Whirlwind but I didn’t really need more than that since I was planning to all-in on that map anyway. You can’t win with a macro build on that map so I relied on timing rushes. I think Curious made some mistakes too. I think that helped me take the win.
Do you regret losing the winner’s match?
Curious and I are close so we made a promise to each other that one of us would advance through the winner’s match. If I had done that, we could have advanced together so that’s too bad. I am really sorry to Curious.
You were eliminated in ro32 last season but this season you have advanced to ro16.
I haven’t gotten better exactly. However, like I said before, I am practising more efficiently with the new method. Once your skill reaches a progamer level, you don’t improve all that much after that. Zergs are improving at the moment thanks to the patch but if you look at Terrans and Protosses, they’re all more or less stationary. Skill-wise, I’m similar to last season.
You must want more now that you have advanced to ro16 for the first time
Not really. I just want to go as far as I can. Once a path is laid out before me, I’ll try my best and practise 50 games if I have to to do well in my match. I’m satisfied by the fact I was able to give it my all.
Anyone you want to face in ro16?
Honestly, they all scare me. I don’t really want to face a Zerg but PvZ is my best matchup so it’s confusing. I’ll just go by whatever group I get put in.
Your image is that of a macro player.
I think it’s due to my opponents rather than myself. I play openly on the ladder quite often and tend to be aggressive there. So, players who face me tend to be very defensive in the early-mid game. It doesn’t get any easier for them after that since I am known for my solid play in the late game. I think I am a difficult player to prepare for. In that aspect, I have the upper hand psychologically. That’s why my games tend to be longer. In fact, in a passive game, I think to myself ‘this should take an hour or so’ and get real comfortable.
Anything to add?
I did a skin cosmetics ceremony after my first match against Curious and I’m satisfied that people liked it. This is a message to Monsieur J that I certainly wouldn’t mind some sponsorship for my team (laugh). It’s a ceremony I made for my coach. I want to thank my teammates on LG-IM, the coach and his wife. I want to thank my family also for cheering me on. Lastly, I want to thank the sponsors: LG electronics, SteelSeries, Googims, Nvidia, and Coca cola. Oh yeah, Nestea plays tomorrow so I hope he wins his games and advances to ro16.
I feel fantastic, not much else to say, really. In my interview for U&D, I said that I found a new method of practice and that method is finally bearing its fruit which is very satisfying.
In the second match against Curious, you used a hallucination warp prism strategy in Set 1.
I wasn’t supposed to have the third scouted. Once scouted, the build no longer works. As I saw that one Zergling, I knew that my opponent understood what I was doing and that my build was about to fail. I was playing the game knowing that I was behind. Then, after defending consistently, I noticed my food count had reached 170 (laugh). It felt like I would win with an attack so I went for it once I maxed out. I had a feeling this might cause Curious to break down mentally and that I would take the next set easily.
In your final match against Curious, you once again had a difficult time taking Set 1 but took Set 2 easily.
Frankly, Daybreak and Whirlwind are Zerg maps. I had already made up my mind not to go for macro builds on these maps. My build was a different kind of timing rush compared to other Protoss builds so it’s harder for the Zerg to defend. If they only start reacting after I am outside their natural, they can never stop it.
Did you expect to take the match once you had taken Set 1 and Whirlwind was chosen for Set 2?
It was expected. I had only two practice matches on Whirlwind but I didn’t really need more than that since I was planning to all-in on that map anyway. You can’t win with a macro build on that map so I relied on timing rushes. I think Curious made some mistakes too. I think that helped me take the win.
Do you regret losing the winner’s match?
Curious and I are close so we made a promise to each other that one of us would advance through the winner’s match. If I had done that, we could have advanced together so that’s too bad. I am really sorry to Curious.
You were eliminated in ro32 last season but this season you have advanced to ro16.
I haven’t gotten better exactly. However, like I said before, I am practising more efficiently with the new method. Once your skill reaches a progamer level, you don’t improve all that much after that. Zergs are improving at the moment thanks to the patch but if you look at Terrans and Protosses, they’re all more or less stationary. Skill-wise, I’m similar to last season.
You must want more now that you have advanced to ro16 for the first time
Not really. I just want to go as far as I can. Once a path is laid out before me, I’ll try my best and practise 50 games if I have to to do well in my match. I’m satisfied by the fact I was able to give it my all.
Anyone you want to face in ro16?
Honestly, they all scare me. I don’t really want to face a Zerg but PvZ is my best matchup so it’s confusing. I’ll just go by whatever group I get put in.
Your image is that of a macro player.
I think it’s due to my opponents rather than myself. I play openly on the ladder quite often and tend to be aggressive there. So, players who face me tend to be very defensive in the early-mid game. It doesn’t get any easier for them after that since I am known for my solid play in the late game. I think I am a difficult player to prepare for. In that aspect, I have the upper hand psychologically. That’s why my games tend to be longer. In fact, in a passive game, I think to myself ‘this should take an hour or so’ and get real comfortable.
Anything to add?
I did a skin cosmetics ceremony after my first match against Curious and I’m satisfied that people liked it. This is a message to Monsieur J that I certainly wouldn’t mind some sponsorship for my team (laugh). It’s a ceremony I made for my coach. I want to thank my teammates on LG-IM, the coach and his wife. I want to thank my family also for cheering me on. Lastly, I want to thank the sponsors: LG electronics, SteelSeries, Googims, Nvidia, and Coca cola. Oh yeah, Nestea plays tomorrow so I hope he wins his games and advances to ro16.
+ Show Spoiler [RO16 interview by storywriter] +
How do you feel advancing to ro8?
I feel great. I’m happy to have secured my Code S spot for next season and that I was able to showcase various styles of play today. The fans seem to think of me a macro only player so I prepared timing rushes only on purpose.
You advance in first place, was this expected?
Not first place. I knew I would be able to beat Violet and I thought if Taeja beats MVP, maybe it would be possible. Taeja has a very obvious style of play so I was confident about beating him.
What do you think about PvZ lately?
It’s true that Terran has trouble against Zerg. However, Protoss stands a chance. Whether you win or not against a Zerg as a Protoss depend on how good you are. I’ve been doing the gateway opening for a while and it was to show other protosses what should be done. Many Protosses prefer the forge opening but that makes it harder to win. Especially, in a multi-game series, if you play too passively, it’s impossible for Protoss to beat the Zerg. I hope other Protosses start to vary up their play like myself.
Is there a player you wish to face in the upper rounds?
Honestly, every player in Code S is scary. However, since I can’t run, I’ll try to play my best against whomever comes up.
How far do you think you will go this season?
Usually when I play, I try to avoid having unnecessary thoughts. I think this helps me play my best because I don’t get nervous. I think I can get very far as long as I don’t give in to nerves.
You are in the OSL qualifier, are you confident about qualifying?
Seeing the bracket reminded me of Code S. I think you could broadcast the qualifiers and call it a day. I’ll just play like usual and try not to get nervous.
Any plans to attend foreign tournaments?
Of course. I want the titles but even more, I want the experience of going overseas as well. If possible, I want to have the great experience of attending a foreign tournament.
Anything to add?
I’m happy to have played without being nervous and played well as a result. I really want to thank Horror for helping me extensively. Also, I want to thank the coach, his wife, my family and my two friends So Hyun and Jin Soo who always cheer me on. Lastly, I want to thank the sponsors who are so generous: LG electronics, SteelSeries, Googims, Nvidia and Cocacola. Especially SteelSeries who sent me a keyboard on the same day that my old one broke three days ago.
I feel great. I’m happy to have secured my Code S spot for next season and that I was able to showcase various styles of play today. The fans seem to think of me a macro only player so I prepared timing rushes only on purpose.
You advance in first place, was this expected?
Not first place. I knew I would be able to beat Violet and I thought if Taeja beats MVP, maybe it would be possible. Taeja has a very obvious style of play so I was confident about beating him.
What do you think about PvZ lately?
It’s true that Terran has trouble against Zerg. However, Protoss stands a chance. Whether you win or not against a Zerg as a Protoss depend on how good you are. I’ve been doing the gateway opening for a while and it was to show other protosses what should be done. Many Protosses prefer the forge opening but that makes it harder to win. Especially, in a multi-game series, if you play too passively, it’s impossible for Protoss to beat the Zerg. I hope other Protosses start to vary up their play like myself.
Is there a player you wish to face in the upper rounds?
Honestly, every player in Code S is scary. However, since I can’t run, I’ll try to play my best against whomever comes up.
How far do you think you will go this season?
Usually when I play, I try to avoid having unnecessary thoughts. I think this helps me play my best because I don’t get nervous. I think I can get very far as long as I don’t give in to nerves.
You are in the OSL qualifier, are you confident about qualifying?
Seeing the bracket reminded me of Code S. I think you could broadcast the qualifiers and call it a day. I’ll just play like usual and try not to get nervous.
Any plans to attend foreign tournaments?
Of course. I want the titles but even more, I want the experience of going overseas as well. If possible, I want to have the great experience of attending a foreign tournament.
Anything to add?
I’m happy to have played without being nervous and played well as a result. I really want to thank Horror for helping me extensively. Also, I want to thank the coach, his wife, my family and my two friends So Hyun and Jin Soo who always cheer me on. Lastly, I want to thank the sponsors who are so generous: LG electronics, SteelSeries, Googims, Nvidia and Cocacola. Especially SteelSeries who sent me a keyboard on the same day that my old one broke three days ago.
+ Show Spoiler [Quarterfinals interview by storywriter] +
You advance to ro4 for the first time. How do you feel?
First of all, I feel good. Symbol belittled me in his last interview and on GNN. He said he was going to win for sure and since I did a complete reverse sweep, I guess he needs to eat his words.
In Set 1, you started out in a bad spot but had a chance to come back. In the end, you still lost.
I didn’t practise for Whirlwind. For cross positions, I decided to rely purely on macro and game sense and had strategies only for close positions. Then, I saw it was cross positions and started slightly behind. Later on, it got better for me but I think I played with a negative mindset after falling behind.
You lost Set 2 as well.
I had a strategy lined up for Antiga Shipyard. I was supposed to block the ramp with sentries and wipe out the Zerg’s main but failed and fell behind significantly. Afterwards, I had a timing but lost due to bad control.
How did you feel when you were behind 0:2?
I was at 0:2 but I felt like I wouldn’t lose from Set 3 onward. I figured out how to win whilst watching the VODs. I had plans for the rest of the series and I think the good preparation paid off.
Did you plan the photon cannon rush in Set 5 or was it improvised?
It was planned. I took Symbol’s second overlord scouting path and his choice of builds into account when I chose that strategy. I was 100% certain it would work.
Many people expected Symbol to win. How did that make you feel?
No one expected me to win so I want to thank you (T/N: the reporter) for predicting my victory. I think you have an eye for these kinds of things (laugh).
Seriously though, many people expected me to lose helplessly. However, I’m confident I won’t lose to a Zerg as long as the map is balanced. I don’t know what basis they had for predicting a one sided loss for me but they’ll be regretting it now.
Your PvZ win rate is second out of all Protosses. Why are you so confident?
My team’s Zergs are so strong. There is no Zerg that can match ours in a long macro game. I won less than half of my games when I was practising. That’s why I’m confident against other players.
Who do you want to face in ro4?
Nestea of course. Not that I want to face another Zerg but if Nestea makes it, one member of our team is guaranteed a place in the finals. I hope it’s Nestea for our team’s sake. It’s our team’s best scenario. I’ll have no regrets even if I lose to Nestea. However, I will do my very best.
Then again, if Byun makes it, I’ll win.
This was your first best of 5 series so how was it?
I was a little unsure since it was my first after all. I spent the first week of practice on the ladder. Then one day, I received a ton of builds during mealtime. I compiled those builds and prepared thoroughly for today’s victory.
Have you reached your goal for this season?
I never have a goal. My principle is to focus on the game at hand. I will continue to play with this mindset. I think that if I try my best for every game, I can make my dreams come true.
Anything to add?
I want to thank True, Horror and Losira for practising with me. I’m going to treat my teammates to something nice. Wait for me, guys.
The coach and his wife have a lot of work to do so I want to say thank you. I’m also very grateful to my parents and my older brother. Lastly, I want to thank the sponsors LG electronics, SteelSeries, Googims, Nvidia and Coca cola.
First of all, I feel good. Symbol belittled me in his last interview and on GNN. He said he was going to win for sure and since I did a complete reverse sweep, I guess he needs to eat his words.
In Set 1, you started out in a bad spot but had a chance to come back. In the end, you still lost.
I didn’t practise for Whirlwind. For cross positions, I decided to rely purely on macro and game sense and had strategies only for close positions. Then, I saw it was cross positions and started slightly behind. Later on, it got better for me but I think I played with a negative mindset after falling behind.
You lost Set 2 as well.
I had a strategy lined up for Antiga Shipyard. I was supposed to block the ramp with sentries and wipe out the Zerg’s main but failed and fell behind significantly. Afterwards, I had a timing but lost due to bad control.
How did you feel when you were behind 0:2?
I was at 0:2 but I felt like I wouldn’t lose from Set 3 onward. I figured out how to win whilst watching the VODs. I had plans for the rest of the series and I think the good preparation paid off.
Did you plan the photon cannon rush in Set 5 or was it improvised?
It was planned. I took Symbol’s second overlord scouting path and his choice of builds into account when I chose that strategy. I was 100% certain it would work.
Many people expected Symbol to win. How did that make you feel?
No one expected me to win so I want to thank you (T/N: the reporter) for predicting my victory. I think you have an eye for these kinds of things (laugh).
Seriously though, many people expected me to lose helplessly. However, I’m confident I won’t lose to a Zerg as long as the map is balanced. I don’t know what basis they had for predicting a one sided loss for me but they’ll be regretting it now.
Your PvZ win rate is second out of all Protosses. Why are you so confident?
My team’s Zergs are so strong. There is no Zerg that can match ours in a long macro game. I won less than half of my games when I was practising. That’s why I’m confident against other players.
Who do you want to face in ro4?
Nestea of course. Not that I want to face another Zerg but if Nestea makes it, one member of our team is guaranteed a place in the finals. I hope it’s Nestea for our team’s sake. It’s our team’s best scenario. I’ll have no regrets even if I lose to Nestea. However, I will do my very best.
Then again, if Byun makes it, I’ll win.
This was your first best of 5 series so how was it?
I was a little unsure since it was my first after all. I spent the first week of practice on the ladder. Then one day, I received a ton of builds during mealtime. I compiled those builds and prepared thoroughly for today’s victory.
Have you reached your goal for this season?
I never have a goal. My principle is to focus on the game at hand. I will continue to play with this mindset. I think that if I try my best for every game, I can make my dreams come true.
Anything to add?
I want to thank True, Horror and Losira for practising with me. I’m going to treat my teammates to something nice. Wait for me, guys.
The coach and his wife have a lot of work to do so I want to say thank you. I’m also very grateful to my parents and my older brother. Lastly, I want to thank the sponsors LG electronics, SteelSeries, Googims, Nvidia and Coca cola.
mc:
+ Show Spoiler [RO32 interview by storywriter] +
How does it feel to advance to ro16 four seasons in a row?
I take meaning from that fact that I’m consistent. It’s too bad it’s not ro8 for four seasons in a row though.
You started today by losing to Ganzi
I wasn’t feeling my best. I was nervous and tired. There were many mistakes made. I was also tricked and the games were difficult to play. It felt like I was suddenly a worse player.
Weren’t you shaken mentally after your defeat?
I played terribly. I just calmed myself down by saying to myself that I could make up for it in the loser’s match. I remember advancing from ro32 in second place several times. It seems that I have to drop a match to get a hold of myself.
You attended MLG. Didn’t you expect to do better?
I did but at MLG, DRG always holds me back. I have beaten him in the past but the record still isn’t great which worries me. Next time, as long as I beat DRG, I should win the whole thing.
You took down Sniper in the loser’s match. How is your PvZ lately?
Once Zerg has their late game composition, it becomes considerably more difficult for Protoss. I played practice games on Atalantis and if both players play passively, it becomes very hard for the Protoss in the late game. I was winning maybe 1 game out of 10 on that map in practice. So, I decided to use an old strategy to win today.
In your final match, you used blink stalkers aggressively
In Set 1, Ganzi kept moving out with his marines. So I went blink stalkers to take them down. In Set 2, he walled in. In that case, blinker stalkers work even better. I actually planned to use this strategy only on Antiga Shipyard but improvised on the spot in Set 1 on Cloud Kingdom.
Recently, a Webtoon involving yourself has drawn a lot of attention
Initially, I was worried about what people would say about my girlfriend or my practice habits. However, everyone was very positive. There have been two issues so far. At the moment, the plan is to release five issues but the author is thinking about doing more if the reaction is good. I hope more people follow and support this.
LG-IM is out of the GSTL.
I saw all of the games. I really wanted to participate so it’s too bad. I wanted to play alongside Nestea and MVP. It was even worse because all their losses were against Zergs. I hope we get to team up for next season. I hope IMHirai isn’t too down about this.
Did you watch KeSPA players play at MLG?
I couldn’t catch all of their games but did watch the first and final games. I watched from the hotel. It seems that Flash has improved considerably. I watched Proleague today and Fantasy seems a lot better too. I think they’re improving so quickly because they’re talented. I think maybe by next year, it’ll be a level playing field. I feel that the top players from both games are already about equal at the moment. I’ve played against Flash and Fantasy and they’re extremely good. I was surprised.
You are very generous in your evaluation
I just said what I felt. Players who were good in Starcraft 1 are definitely good in Starcraft 2 also. I get the feeling that they’re working very hard.
Do you want to do well in OSL?
If I manage to qualify, it’ll be my second OSL. I was eliminated embarrassingly from the last one. I lost to Fantasy that time so I hope we meet again in Starcraft 2. Honestly, I don’t think he has any chance of holding my blink stalker all-in at the moment. (laugh). I really want to face him in OSL.
Your goal for this season?
It’s always the championship. Not that I’ve been getting close (laugh). I think I can get to at least ro4 if I get lucky with the groups in ro16. I’m feeling good about my play and I’m planning to focus on the GSL after going abroad so much. If I fail to do well again, I’ll be disappointed in myself.
Anything to add?
I want to thank my girlfriend and my mother. I’m also grateful to the author of the Webtoon. Not that I’m sensitive about it or anything but people seem to think of me as the all-inner. The only reason I used an all-in today was because I was certain it would work. I don’t all-in unless I am absolutely certain it will work. Anyway, I hope people enjoy my play.
Starcraft 1 fans and Starcraft 2 fans seem to be bickering lately but I’ve been a KeSPA player and we’re all the same. The players get along just fine so I hope the fans do as well. Please enjoy both leagues. I hope no one bashes the KeSPA players because they are working so very hard.
Also, I plan to give away my old keyboard to whoever makes the best sign for ro16. I was going to throw it away but my girlfriend suggested that I give it away. It’s not broken, I’m just replacing it. It’s a very good keyboard and quite high end as well (laugh).
I take meaning from that fact that I’m consistent. It’s too bad it’s not ro8 for four seasons in a row though.
You started today by losing to Ganzi
I wasn’t feeling my best. I was nervous and tired. There were many mistakes made. I was also tricked and the games were difficult to play. It felt like I was suddenly a worse player.
Weren’t you shaken mentally after your defeat?
I played terribly. I just calmed myself down by saying to myself that I could make up for it in the loser’s match. I remember advancing from ro32 in second place several times. It seems that I have to drop a match to get a hold of myself.
You attended MLG. Didn’t you expect to do better?
I did but at MLG, DRG always holds me back. I have beaten him in the past but the record still isn’t great which worries me. Next time, as long as I beat DRG, I should win the whole thing.
You took down Sniper in the loser’s match. How is your PvZ lately?
Once Zerg has their late game composition, it becomes considerably more difficult for Protoss. I played practice games on Atalantis and if both players play passively, it becomes very hard for the Protoss in the late game. I was winning maybe 1 game out of 10 on that map in practice. So, I decided to use an old strategy to win today.
In your final match, you used blink stalkers aggressively
In Set 1, Ganzi kept moving out with his marines. So I went blink stalkers to take them down. In Set 2, he walled in. In that case, blinker stalkers work even better. I actually planned to use this strategy only on Antiga Shipyard but improvised on the spot in Set 1 on Cloud Kingdom.
Recently, a Webtoon involving yourself has drawn a lot of attention
Initially, I was worried about what people would say about my girlfriend or my practice habits. However, everyone was very positive. There have been two issues so far. At the moment, the plan is to release five issues but the author is thinking about doing more if the reaction is good. I hope more people follow and support this.
LG-IM is out of the GSTL.
I saw all of the games. I really wanted to participate so it’s too bad. I wanted to play alongside Nestea and MVP. It was even worse because all their losses were against Zergs. I hope we get to team up for next season. I hope IMHirai isn’t too down about this.
Did you watch KeSPA players play at MLG?
I couldn’t catch all of their games but did watch the first and final games. I watched from the hotel. It seems that Flash has improved considerably. I watched Proleague today and Fantasy seems a lot better too. I think they’re improving so quickly because they’re talented. I think maybe by next year, it’ll be a level playing field. I feel that the top players from both games are already about equal at the moment. I’ve played against Flash and Fantasy and they’re extremely good. I was surprised.
You are very generous in your evaluation
I just said what I felt. Players who were good in Starcraft 1 are definitely good in Starcraft 2 also. I get the feeling that they’re working very hard.
Do you want to do well in OSL?
If I manage to qualify, it’ll be my second OSL. I was eliminated embarrassingly from the last one. I lost to Fantasy that time so I hope we meet again in Starcraft 2. Honestly, I don’t think he has any chance of holding my blink stalker all-in at the moment. (laugh). I really want to face him in OSL.
Your goal for this season?
It’s always the championship. Not that I’ve been getting close (laugh). I think I can get to at least ro4 if I get lucky with the groups in ro16. I’m feeling good about my play and I’m planning to focus on the GSL after going abroad so much. If I fail to do well again, I’ll be disappointed in myself.
Anything to add?
I want to thank my girlfriend and my mother. I’m also grateful to the author of the Webtoon. Not that I’m sensitive about it or anything but people seem to think of me as the all-inner. The only reason I used an all-in today was because I was certain it would work. I don’t all-in unless I am absolutely certain it will work. Anyway, I hope people enjoy my play.
Starcraft 1 fans and Starcraft 2 fans seem to be bickering lately but I’ve been a KeSPA player and we’re all the same. The players get along just fine so I hope the fans do as well. Please enjoy both leagues. I hope no one bashes the KeSPA players because they are working so very hard.
Also, I plan to give away my old keyboard to whoever makes the best sign for ro16. I was going to throw it away but my girlfriend suggested that I give it away. It’s not broken, I’m just replacing it. It’s a very good keyboard and quite high end as well (laugh).
+ Show Spoiler [RO16 interview by storywriter] +
How do you feel advancing to ro8 in first place after some close matches? =
I was offended to be rated the weakest player in the group despite being a champion. Fortunately, I am advancing in first place and I feel great.
Why do you think you were seen as the weakest in the group?
I think it’s because Squirtle and Symbol have been on a roll. On the other hand, I haven’t achieved much in the GSL recently.
You took on MKP in your first match.
I won almost every game in practice. Then just before coming to the studio, I went 1-5 against MMA and was breaking down mentally. Luckily, MKP went for an all-in in the first set which eased my nerves.
You had a close match against Squirtle, how was it?
I saw Squirtle’s PvZ and it was excellent. He had superb play against me in the winner’s match also. I hope to meet him in a further round in the future. He’s a player you want to avoid in ro16.
In Set 3, you defended against the all-in solidly and won.
After taking down my opponent’s observer, I scouted his natural and found out he hadn’t expanded yet. So, I warped in a few zealots at the proxy pylon that I was planning to use for aggression and pressured with them. I think this decision led to my victory. My opponent’s attack was so fierce that it almost broke me.
You face Taeja in ro8, are you confident?
Taeja said in his interview that he wanted to see me advance to his bracket and here I am. I lack confidence in PvT so I need a little bit more preparation. I hope I get a PvZ in ro4.
Is there a reason you want to face a Zerg in ro4?
PvZ is my best matchup at the moment. Other players are having trouble but for some reason, I find it easiest. I’m comfortable taking on Zerg armies but against Terrans, I feel uneasy.
There’s talk that this is the season for you to win
I want to win. Also, I want to face someone whose name carries a lot of weight in the finals. I hope to face either Nestea or DRG. I don’t think I’ve ever faced a champion in the GSL yet so I want to try it out.
You said you would give away your old keyboard so when’s that going to happen?
I plan to do that once all the matches finish. I’ll wait for people who might come in late.
Anything to add?
Nada announced his retirement and it feels like we have lost a great hero. Many players helped me practise so I want to thank them. I’ll be going to Germany to participate in Homestory Cup soon so I’ll make sure to do well. I want to thank my girlfriend and my mother and want to give my congratulations ot the winner of the keyboard today. Lastly, I want to thank the author of the Webtoon.
+ Show Spoiler [Quarterfinals interview by storywriter] +
You have succeeded in advancing to ro4. How do you feel?
I’m very moved because it’s my first ro4 in a long time. I think I haven’t gotten this far since the Blizzard Cup. There’s even a chance to face DRG again. I’m ecstatic.
It was a full set with both wins and losses. Did you expect this?
If I had taken Cloud Kingdom in Set 2, it would have been 3:0 so that’s regrettable. I was sure that my 4 gate would work in Set 4 as well. I believed he wouldn’t see it coming because I had just done it in the last set but he was well prepared. However, I was confident about winning on Ohana.
Set 2 was heavily in your favour but you lost. How did that happen?
I would have won if I just stayed in my base. But then, doing nothing is boring for both myself and the viewers. On the other hand, Taejea was excellent in his defence. I thought I would win with my attack but Taeja held out and it snowballed into falling behind in economy and eventually my loss.
Was Set 4 improvised?
Originally, I was going to use that build in just either Set 3 or Set 4. Still, A win rate of 50% for a build is pretty good. Like I said before, I was banking on the fact that my opponent would not see it coming once I revealed the build in a previous game.
Your participation in Homestory Cup could have made things more difficult for you.
Once the bracket was decided, I had two days to practise before attending Homestory Cup. I was in good condition and the games went well. My original plan was to go 3:0 so the defeat in Set 2 is regrettable but after that, it all went very well.
With MVP out of the tournament, this becomes your chance to start catching up in the number of championships.
It certainly is. In my opinion, I think ro4 will be 2 Zergs and 2 Protosses so I should have an easy time. My best match up is PvZ and with a little bit of work on my weaker aspects, I think I can take the championship.
You mean you expect DRG to advance to ro4?
Naniwa’s pretty good but he’s not at DRG’s level yet. Also, rather than the boring mirror match up, I’d rather have a chance at revenge.
If Naniwa does make it to ro4?
Then I’ll smash him 3:0. Every time he sees me, he says that I’m an easy player to beat. All this because of that one time he beat me with a 1 base all-in. My prize money so far is 5 times what Naniwa’s is so that means it will take 5 Naniwas to take me down. I shall teach him a lesson if we meet.
If you make it to the finals, who do you expect to meet?
I have 3 people in mind but can’t choose one. However, Nestea, with his wealth of experience, should be the most likely.
It has been 1 year 4 months or 8 seasons since you last got into ro4 of Code S.
I was in a slump midyear last year. This year, I don’t think I was desperate enough. Then, my girlfriend and my mother told me they wanted to see me in the finals. That was the turning point.
Also, with my move to SK gaming, I want to be the first player on a foreign team to become a GSL champion.
You must want your third championship.
Rather, I put more focus on my revival when I practise.
Anything to add?
Today, my girlfriend and the Webtoon author came to cheer me on. Thank you so much. Also, I want to thank MMA, Supernova and ASD for practising with me. I leave Korea for NASL tomorrow and I’ll make sure to do well there.
I want to thank my team’s sponsors Kingston, SteelSeries, Toshiba and also my manager Reis. Lastly, I want to thank Gom TV for holding such a great tournament.
Lastly, there is a lot of talk about the cross match between KeSPA and GSL. If I get the chance to participate, I’ll reveal my identity right from the beginning so please watch out for me. Ace underperformed a little in his games (T/N: Ace had already revealed this on twitter because he didn't want people guessing it was Squirtle or Parting) but I’ll show you how we GSL players fry the KeSPA players (laugh).
I’m very moved because it’s my first ro4 in a long time. I think I haven’t gotten this far since the Blizzard Cup. There’s even a chance to face DRG again. I’m ecstatic.
It was a full set with both wins and losses. Did you expect this?
If I had taken Cloud Kingdom in Set 2, it would have been 3:0 so that’s regrettable. I was sure that my 4 gate would work in Set 4 as well. I believed he wouldn’t see it coming because I had just done it in the last set but he was well prepared. However, I was confident about winning on Ohana.
Set 2 was heavily in your favour but you lost. How did that happen?
I would have won if I just stayed in my base. But then, doing nothing is boring for both myself and the viewers. On the other hand, Taejea was excellent in his defence. I thought I would win with my attack but Taeja held out and it snowballed into falling behind in economy and eventually my loss.
Was Set 4 improvised?
Originally, I was going to use that build in just either Set 3 or Set 4. Still, A win rate of 50% for a build is pretty good. Like I said before, I was banking on the fact that my opponent would not see it coming once I revealed the build in a previous game.
Your participation in Homestory Cup could have made things more difficult for you.
Once the bracket was decided, I had two days to practise before attending Homestory Cup. I was in good condition and the games went well. My original plan was to go 3:0 so the defeat in Set 2 is regrettable but after that, it all went very well.
With MVP out of the tournament, this becomes your chance to start catching up in the number of championships.
It certainly is. In my opinion, I think ro4 will be 2 Zergs and 2 Protosses so I should have an easy time. My best match up is PvZ and with a little bit of work on my weaker aspects, I think I can take the championship.
You mean you expect DRG to advance to ro4?
Naniwa’s pretty good but he’s not at DRG’s level yet. Also, rather than the boring mirror match up, I’d rather have a chance at revenge.
If Naniwa does make it to ro4?
Then I’ll smash him 3:0. Every time he sees me, he says that I’m an easy player to beat. All this because of that one time he beat me with a 1 base all-in. My prize money so far is 5 times what Naniwa’s is so that means it will take 5 Naniwas to take me down. I shall teach him a lesson if we meet.
If you make it to the finals, who do you expect to meet?
I have 3 people in mind but can’t choose one. However, Nestea, with his wealth of experience, should be the most likely.
It has been 1 year 4 months or 8 seasons since you last got into ro4 of Code S.
I was in a slump midyear last year. This year, I don’t think I was desperate enough. Then, my girlfriend and my mother told me they wanted to see me in the finals. That was the turning point.
Also, with my move to SK gaming, I want to be the first player on a foreign team to become a GSL champion.
You must want your third championship.
Rather, I put more focus on my revival when I practise.
Anything to add?
Today, my girlfriend and the Webtoon author came to cheer me on. Thank you so much. Also, I want to thank MMA, Supernova and ASD for practising with me. I leave Korea for NASL tomorrow and I’ll make sure to do well there.
I want to thank my team’s sponsors Kingston, SteelSeries, Toshiba and also my manager Reis. Lastly, I want to thank Gom TV for holding such a great tournament.
Lastly, there is a lot of talk about the cross match between KeSPA and GSL. If I get the chance to participate, I’ll reveal my identity right from the beginning so please watch out for me. Ace underperformed a little in his games (T/N: Ace had already revealed this on twitter because he didn't want people guessing it was Squirtle or Parting) but I’ll show you how we GSL players fry the KeSPA players (laugh).
drg:
+ Show Spoiler [RO32 interview by Caihead] +
Zerg leader DRG progressed from his group with first place, he just won MLG and says that this season has zerg advantage, so he wants to be grouped with 3 terrans for the Ro16, and says "If you don't win the championship now, what are you waiting for?" And DRG also said this about opponent 
viOLet: He was always playing in America, and he never practices with the team, DRG reaffirms viOLet's potential as a player.
Q: After winning the GSL, how does it feel to return to the Ro16 after a season?
A: Before every season I felt that getting into the Ro16 was very easy/relaxed, but after playing alot I found that the Ro32's pressure is getting larger~ Not only are you afraid of being disqualified from the Ro32, but you are also afraid of instantly being demoted to Code B. Last season I was ranked first, but I didn't even attend the group selection ceremony, in the end I'm happy to qualify.
Q: You took alot of difficulty in ZvT
A: The first match was okay, but the second match wasn't played well, the third match I also almost lost my defense. But luckily I spread my creep early and won, that's credit to the queen (laugh).
Q: Winners match was againstviOLet who was your teammate.
A: I was happy, its the first time being matchd againstviOLet in the GSL, even though he left the team we kept contact with each other, always studied strategies and learned from each other.
Even though winning againstviOLet to qualify made me a bit remorseful, but I believe that he can also make the Ro16. I think it's amazing that he doesn't play in the team house, and was always playing in America, yet is still playing so well.
Q:You made alot of mistakes in your micro, why is this?
A: My play style is focused and depends on micro in important battles, but during other encounters I rather macro well than waste my control on unimportant things. Though I'm slightly disadvantaged in micro, I get more of an advantage from other places, that's my playstyle.
It's not that important to the overall match, I will control carefully for important engagements, you don't have to worry~
Q: In the interview after winning MLG you showed great confidence for this GSL
A: I've improved alot, now I have confidence that I can win regardless of who my opponent is. As long as I don't make huge mistakes, I'm confident I can get a great record.
Q: What kind of group do you want in the Group selection ceremony?
A: I've watched other Zerg interviews and it's roughly the same I also want 3 Terrans in my group, for the same reasons as other Zergs. I need to talk about it in detail when the time comes (laugh).
Q: It seems that in the Code S (GSL) zergs aren't performing that well, why do you think this is?
A: I have a different view, regardless of rather it's practice, GSL, or GSTL, Zergs are very easy to play. But for the GSL the preparation time is long, so other races can have the time to prepare strategies, but Zergs definitely have alot of advantage.
Q: Is the goal this time to be the champion?
A: This is required, it's a great time to try for the gold, have to win a gold when zergs have the advantage~
Q: Last words?
A: I want to thank sponsor Razer and our partner team MYM, and also thank everyone who helped me practice ~
viOLet: He was always playing in America, and he never practices with the team, DRG reaffirms viOLet's potential as a player.Q: After winning the GSL, how does it feel to return to the Ro16 after a season?
A: Before every season I felt that getting into the Ro16 was very easy/relaxed, but after playing alot I found that the Ro32's pressure is getting larger~ Not only are you afraid of being disqualified from the Ro32, but you are also afraid of instantly being demoted to Code B. Last season I was ranked first, but I didn't even attend the group selection ceremony, in the end I'm happy to qualify.
Q: You took alot of difficulty in ZvT
A: The first match was okay, but the second match wasn't played well, the third match I also almost lost my defense. But luckily I spread my creep early and won, that's credit to the queen (laugh).
Q: Winners match was against
viOLet who was your teammate.A: I was happy, its the first time being matchd against
viOLet in the GSL, even though he left the team we kept contact with each other, always studied strategies and learned from each other.Even though winning against
viOLet to qualify made me a bit remorseful, but I believe that he can also make the Ro16. I think it's amazing that he doesn't play in the team house, and was always playing in America, yet is still playing so well.Q:You made alot of mistakes in your micro, why is this?
A: My play style is focused and depends on micro in important battles, but during other encounters I rather macro well than waste my control on unimportant things. Though I'm slightly disadvantaged in micro, I get more of an advantage from other places, that's my playstyle.
It's not that important to the overall match, I will control carefully for important engagements, you don't have to worry~
Q: In the interview after winning MLG you showed great confidence for this GSL
A: I've improved alot, now I have confidence that I can win regardless of who my opponent is. As long as I don't make huge mistakes, I'm confident I can get a great record.
Q: What kind of group do you want in the Group selection ceremony?
A: I've watched other Zerg interviews and it's roughly the same I also want 3 Terrans in my group, for the same reasons as other Zergs. I need to talk about it in detail when the time comes (laugh).
Q: It seems that in the Code S (GSL) zergs aren't performing that well, why do you think this is?
A: I have a different view, regardless of rather it's practice, GSL, or GSTL, Zergs are very easy to play. But for the GSL the preparation time is long, so other races can have the time to prepare strategies, but Zergs definitely have alot of advantage.
Q: Is the goal this time to be the champion?
A: This is required, it's a great time to try for the gold, have to win a gold when zergs have the advantage~
Q: Last words?
A: I want to thank sponsor Razer and our partner team MYM, and also thank everyone who helped me practice ~
+ Show Spoiler [RO16 interview by storywriter] +
Your thoughts on advancing to ro8 in first place?
I wasn’t able to practise a lot because of some personal matters. So I wasn’t expecting to advance in first place which makes me even happier that I did. Looking at the rest of the bracket, it seems like I can get to the finals with no problem.
You are doing rather well lately.
I lose often in practice at the moment but I feel like I’m invincible on the stage. That’s why I think it’s time for another championship. If I stay the way I am, this season is mine.
The finals is in your hometown so doesn’t that motivate you even more?
When I heard, I told myself that I had to get to the finals no matter what. Ro16 was the hardest step and since I’m advancing in first place, I should be able to get to the finals no matter what. The only thing I need to think about now is the finals in my hometown.
It wasn’t on easy group so how did you prepare for it?
I was very confident in ZvT. So even I knew that I could advance through the final match even if I lost to Nestea in the winner’s match.
You had a very long game against Ryung.
I had a very sloppy first battle so got backed into a corner. I wasn’t able to spend my resources after some tight battles so my composition was ruined. Ryung is a great player so I prepared specifically for him but he surprised me by blocking all my moves.
You faced Nestea in the winner’s match.
I feel like I play faster lately. So I thought I’d have the upper hand if it got to the late game and strategized around that concept.
You will face Naniwa in ro8
I can do whatever I want and still win. That’s all I have to say.
GSTL and GSL are being held in Busan.
This is my one chance to be in both the individual and team leagues in my hometown Busan. I think this might be a first and last chance for me as a progamer. I want to win both leagues in style in my hometown.
Anything to add?
I want to thank our sponsor Razer, our partner MYM and people who helped with practice Dream and Sniper. I had a headache at the studio but got better because my coach took great care of me. I want to thank the coach, his family, my girlfriend, my parents, family and last but not least, the fans who cheer for me.
+ Show Spoiler [Quarterfinals interview by storywriter] +
You took down Naniwa after a close match to advance to ro4. How do you feel?
I watched Naniwa’s games and he seemed deficient in his PvZ so I wasn’t worried. However, since last evening, I started getting a bad feeling so did some extra practice which saved me today.
Many expected a one sided victory for you but it was actually quite close.
My opponent didn’t play as I expected. He played in a style I’ve never encountered before. Additionally, I made numerous mistakes which made it closer than it should have been. Luckily, I adapted as the games went on so I was able to win in the end.
You used hydras in Set 4 only to lose.
I was so ahead that I thought I could make any unit and still win so chose hydras. However, it seems hydras are still the symbol of defeat. From now on, unless it’s a special situation, I will never use hydras.
Set 5 was fierce
After beating back the 4 gate, I felt like I could win no matter what. So I made mass roaches and attacked but Naniwa had more units than expected. I did think for a moment I was going to lose but with the gas I had banked up and with mistakes from Naniwa, I was able to take the game.
You face MC in ro4.
MC is a Protoss who I acknowledge to be the best at PvZ. I’ve beaten him plenty of times in foreign tournaments but at the recent MLG qualifier, I suffered a humiliating defeat. That’s why I wanted to face him once more and it’s great that we get to meet in ro4 of GSL. As much as MC is a Protoss I respect, I won’t drop my guard.
You must want this season more than ever as the finals is held in your home town.
I think I will regret it forever if I don’t make it to the finals. This finals is very meaning to myself but also to my team. That’s why we’re going to go to both GSL and GSTL finals.
Your team is now sponsored by Lotte
It’s a great source of motivation. We had a few foreign sponsors but this is the first time a major Korean corporation has started sponsoring us. This sponsorship has motivated myself and all my teammates.
Who do you think you will face in the finals if you make it?
I think TvZ would be the most fun. So I hope I get to face Byun.
Anything to add?
I want to thank our sponsors Lotte, Razer and our partner MYM. I want to thank my practice partners Finale and Vampire and also the coach who today brought with him the chair I use at the training house. Before the match, my family did a big cheer for me and last but not least, I want to thank my fans and my girlfriend.
((((
