[Interview] 2012 GSL S2 CodeS RO16 Group A Winners

You are finally in ro8. Tell us how you feel

I’ve never been happier in my life

You advanced by winning all four games today. Was this expected?

I thought the result of the first match mattered the most. I think I was able to beat Genius because my predictions about his play were perfect. Afterwards, I expected to face Supernova but Virus came up so I was a little afraid. However, Virus also played according to my expectations so I was able to take the match.

You are now in ro8 in your Code S debut. Any secrets to your success?

Most people think that I am not able to prepare for games properly. However, as long as I get matchups that I like, I am confident about doing well. I think I was able to score straight wins because there were no PvZs which I am weak at.

With advancing to ro8, you have secured your place in next season’s Code S.

When I first received the seed, I honestly thought I didn’t deserve it. However, somehow I’m now in ro8. I’ve always thought about winning the game in front of me so far and I will continue to do so. Now is more important than next season.

You said that you find PvZ difficult. Which player worries you?

I am scared of DRG so it’s fortunate that he’s been eliminated early. If I have to face IMMVP on a map which favours him, it won’t be easy. Objectively though, there isn’t a player in Code S that really makes me afraid.

In ro8, you face off against the second place from ro16 group B. Who do you want to face?

As long as it’s not July who I share the training house with, anyone is fine. Leenock is a Zerg too but I’ve beaten him at MLG before so I can face anyone.

It’s been a long time since a foreigner made it to ro8. How far do you expect to go?

As I said before, I didn’t expect to get into ro8 at all. I won’t think about upper rounds at all and focus on my immediate games. However, I did defeat Geinus today. Since I managed to take down a finalist from last season, Ro4 is possible too.

What kind of effects did the event at Blizzard Cup have on your Code S run?

If I look back now, I regret acting like that to Nestea. Still, through experience, I learned that I should show good games to the audience. I am happy about getting such an opportunity in the form of this seed.

What is your goal this season?

When I first arrived in Korea, I said the championship. However, actually trying, I’ve realised that’s too difficult. So, I’ll just take one step at a time from now and this season, it’s impossible to predict. I’ll just try my best every single game.

Anything to add?

I try my best to not look at comments on the internet. However, sometimes when I see fans from Sweden cheering me on, I get a boost. I send my thanks to them.

You’ve made it back into Code S ro8 after three seasons

I am happy to be back in ro8. However, I must go further so it’s too early to celebrate.

In your first match, you and Virus played a high level TvT

Virus played much better than I expected. I was surprised even as I played the match. My hands weren’t fully warmed up yet so the match being a situational loss was disappointing. Winning would’ve been good… I lost but my play seemed to be good.

In the loser’s match, you dismantled Genius

The opponent played as I expected him to. Weirdly, my play was even better than in practice and things worked out well.

You got a chance at revenge in the final match. How did you feel?

I relished the opportunity. I wanted to face him again and winning the match was the cherry on top.

You won the final match rather easily. Were you fully warmed up by then?

I was after the games against Genius. I think I played as well as I do in practice.

Your personal best record is Code S ro8. Will it be possible to set a new record this season?

I think it’s definitely possible. I have a great feeling about this season. I feel like I can do better.

Who do you want to face in ro8?

Ro8 Group B is a very strong group. Even though I practise in the same house as him, I want to avoid Liquid’Hero. As long as it’s not Hero, I can beat anyone. (T/N: damn straight, go Hero, you sexy Protoss. Yes, he’s my favourite player)

What is your goal this season?

The goal is always the championship. However, I won’t get impatient this season and play the matches as I practised them. Taking that approach, I should be able to hit my highest point. I think I dropped some matches due to impatience in the past.

Anything to add?

Today’s victory is thanks to the coach. The coach said that he would buy me a puppy if I won today. I’ve been wanting to raise a puppy for a while and since I made ro8, he should get me one.
I want to thank my teammates and HuK who helped with practice. Chris fell to Code B but he’s more than capable of making it back.
Lastly, I want to thank the fans who cheered me on.