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.
Good to see Nani acknowledging his lack of PvZ although to be honest I don't think anything could have stopped him so far he's been playing so well. Gl with ro8 practice hard!
On April 18 2012 21:27 SenorChang wrote: Always ignoring the fans from outside of sweden makes me sad
did you forget the hate he got?
congratulations to the best foreign player, all the best in ro8
Yeah he said that when he was heavily criticized the swedish fans were very supporting of him and that he was very thankful of that. Hopefully he can win Dreamhack this weekend now at home for us =)
Congraulations to Naniwa! I have never been a big fan of yours, but I am very happy to see a non-Korea advance in Code S. As long as you don't end up facing July, I will cheer for you.
"However, sometimes when I see fans from Sweden cheering me on, I get a boost. I send my thanks to them"
That's it, Im moving to Sweden to get a swedish citizenship. One can obviously not be a true Nani-fan if one is not a swede:D GJ Nani and prepare well for R8, GSL champion is not impossible, its all in your head.
"However, sometimes when I see fans from Sweden cheering me on, I get a boost. I send my thanks to them"
That's it, Im moving to Sweden to get a swedish citizenship. One can obviously not be a true Nani-fan if one is not a swede:D GJ Nani and prepare well for R8, GSL champion is not impossible, its all in your head.
But your nickname is swedish...... and it means poopfrog in swedish XD
His play, attitude, and interviewing ability has improved so much. I disliked Naniwa for a while after his low streak, but I really have a lot of respect for him now. I really think he deserves to win this GSL. He is playing amazing. No gimmicks or lucky situations, he is just completely outclassing everyone he faces.
On April 18 2012 21:27 SenorChang wrote: Always ignoring the fans from outside of sweden makes me sad
I wouldn't feel too bad about it. You have to keep in mind that Naniwa has been a very polarizing figure in the Swedish esport scene for years now, and he is trying, almost desperately, to be accepted and loved by the Swedish community.
By now he has pretty much accomplished that, so I do wish he could stop with some of the Swedish love, because it is becoming a bit awkward.
Congrats to Nani! I am excited to see how he will do in the next round. On a side note is it just me that thinks that the Quantic t-shirt is ugly as hell?
On April 18 2012 21:22 Mrwl wrote: Best swedish athlete since foppa
Grattis naniwa!!! Take the championship!
Haha this made me laugh All true though, but compairing single sports i guess it would be Björn Borg, since Ice Hockey is so much about the team effort.
On April 18 2012 22:29 storywriter wrote: Supernova interview now up
Are there any korean netizen reactions/comments? (To Naniwa)
There aren't too many, 4 last time and 6 this time so far. They are all positive. "I gotta admit he's good", "wow, he's really proving himself", "he's matured up a lot" Things along those lines. No outrage to be seen anywhere.
On April 18 2012 22:29 storywriter wrote: Supernova interview now up
Are there any korean netizen reactions/comments? (To Naniwa)
There aren't too many, 4 last time and 6 this time so far. They are all positive. "I gotta admit he's good", "wow, he's really proving himself", "he's matured up a lot" Things along those lines. No outrage to be seen anywhere.
So the current head to head record of terrans motivated by puppies vs startale terrans is 6-4 in favour of puppy motivation. From this we can conclude if you want to beat startale offer your player a puppy.
So the key to getting good results is to promise your players a puppy? Maybe it only counts for terran players though, we need more data to reach a proper conclusion. Slayers needs to promise their players a team puppy if they can make it back to code s.
On April 18 2012 22:29 storywriter wrote: Supernova interview now up
Are there any korean netizen reactions/comments? (To Naniwa)
There aren't too many, 4 last time and 6 this time so far. They are all positive. "I gotta admit he's good", "wow, he's really proving himself", "he's matured up a lot" Things along those lines. No outrage to be seen anywhere.
Koreans may be masters of RTS games, but they still have a lot to learn from us when it comes to creating drama on the internets. For shame, Korea :-)
Thanks for the interviews -- I never really paid attention until recently because I figured it would be the usual "Yeah I wasn't sure I would win but I did well" kind of stuff, but there are a few gems here and there, like Supernova getting a puppy for his win (what the hell, that's how you motivate your players? Awesome, just so weird ^^).
I'm imagining Byun and Supernova bringing their puppies to the studio during GSTL matches to frolic / race / battle / be captured by the winning team.
Nice interviews, its good to see that Naniwa's mentality has shifted a lot into the positive spectrum after what happened in the Blizzard cup, while I wasn't sure he deserved this other seed now, after his performances in the RO32 and today I really believe he did deserve his seed, and I will cheer for him in the next round.
Supernova's play today was inspirational, even though he got of to a bumpy start. The way he dismantled Genius in a long macro game + his fantastic play vs Virus was just amazing, glad he went trough and happy he has a puppy!
Considering the puppy effect on Byun/GhostkingPrime it only lasts until you get it. SuperNoVa being surprisingly cocky and very respectful to teammate unless HerO's PvT has really improved. Underestimating an injured Mvp just calls for trouble.
GhostKing got his puppy and then, after looking unstoppable, lost to Losira 3-0 in a match he should have done better in. If Supernova loses in the quarterfinals, the Puppy Curse will be a real thing.
On April 18 2012 21:22 Mrwl wrote: Best swedish athlete since foppa
Grattis naniwa!!! Take the championship!
Haha this made me laugh All true though, but compairing single sports i guess it would be Björn Borg, since Ice Hockey is so much about the team effort.
The best comparison would be table tennis, and JO Waldner. Since the sport is huge in china and SC2 has the central point in south korea makes it a better comparison :D.
On April 18 2012 22:29 storywriter wrote: Supernova interview now up
Are there any korean netizen reactions/comments? (To Naniwa)
There aren't too many, 4 last time and 6 this time so far. They are all positive. "I gotta admit he's good", "wow, he's really proving himself", "he's matured up a lot" Things along those lines. No outrage to be seen anywhere.
To be frank with you, TIG comments section reminds me of a bunch of gentlemen getting together to sip some tea. No one ever rages and even the most heated discussions are very polite and mannered.
On April 18 2012 22:29 storywriter wrote: Supernova interview now up
Are there any korean netizen reactions/comments? (To Naniwa)
There aren't too many, 4 last time and 6 this time so far. They are all positive. "I gotta admit he's good", "wow, he's really proving himself", "he's matured up a lot" Things along those lines. No outrage to be seen anywhere.
To be frank with you, TIG comments section reminds me of a bunch of gentlemen getting together to sip some tea. No one ever rages and even the most heated discussions are very polite and mannered.
You should check out some posts from 스투갤 lol
that place looks like the battlenet forums lol. i'm afraid i'll catch whatever they have if i go there.
On April 18 2012 22:29 storywriter wrote: Supernova interview now up
Are there any korean netizen reactions/comments? (To Naniwa)
There aren't too many, 4 last time and 6 this time so far. They are all positive. "I gotta admit he's good", "wow, he's really proving himself", "he's matured up a lot" Things along those lines. No outrage to be seen anywhere.
To be frank with you, TIG comments section reminds me of a bunch of gentlemen getting together to sip some tea. No one ever rages and even the most heated discussions are very polite and mannered.
You should check out some posts from 스투갤 lol
that place looks like the battlenet forums lol. i'm afraid i'll catch whatever they have if i go there.
never go to gall for netizen comments, they're always the worst and the most ridiculous comments. use playxp at least to get them, it's the closest you'll get to TL esque stuff
I wonder how people at dignitas and complexity are feeling now. I don't know the real reasons they dropped him go but it sure seemed like he was too hard for them to manage and they just didn't want to deal with him. Quantic put in some extra effort to support him at the toughest times (he said he might have quit if Quantic didn't support him like they did after Blizzard Cup) and suddenly he's one of the most valuable foreign players. Booyah.
On April 18 2012 21:22 Mrwl wrote: Best swedish athlete since foppa
Grattis naniwa!!! Take the championship!
Haha this made me laugh All true though, but compairing single sports i guess it would be Björn Borg, since Ice Hockey is so much about the team effort.
The best comparison would be table tennis, and JO Waldner. Since the sport is huge in china and SC2 has the central point in south korea makes it a better comparison :D.
Logically yes, but I think most ppl on TL have no clue who Jan-Ove Waldner is, while Björn Borg is a legend all around the world =)
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.
Coaches should use that strategy more often, it has a 100% winrate (with Byun making ro4)
Naniwa never seize to impress me, great play today. The decisionmaking vs Genius was outstanding, really hope to see him in more PvP's vs great players!
On April 18 2012 22:37 Yonnua wrote: HuK practising with Supernova to try to beat Naniwa?
well, Nani said he wants Hack to win against Huk
Hack is his teammate and friend and helps Naniwa (and SaSe) practice a lot. Both of them are understandable. HuK has been living at the oGs house for a year was basically Supernovas teammate in the past, and Naniwa is Hacks teammate. It makes more sense to cheer for your teammate then cheering forsomeone due to them being non-korean (this is even slightly racist).
Wow, Supernova saying that he would not like to play Hero as he wouldn't feel confidant against him is pretty cool for Hero fans, I normally don't rate him that much, but when someone with as godly TvP as Supernova says it you have to give respect.
On April 19 2012 00:49 MCDayC wrote: Wow, Supernova saying that he would not like to play Hero as he wouldn't feel confidant against him is pretty cool for Hero fans, I normally don't rate him that much, but when someone with as godly TvP as Supernova says it you have to give respect.
maybe that means HerO's PvT improved alot since HerO is not known for having the BEST PvT.
his Ro32 interview and this one. Nearly identical.
EDIT: I'm retarded, I was looking at it from an odd angle that made it look like his mouth was different. Though that does leave the question of why he doesn't have a new picture.
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."
On April 19 2012 03:22 namste wrote: I guess they should start handing out puppies to the GSL champs instead of those 50k cheques.
This tournament is sponsored by adorable puppies. First place is 50 puppies, which if exchanged every month means that the winner will have one puppy a month for fifty months. In an unrelated sponsorship, the winning team of the GSTL will be recieving free meat every month.
Nice interview. Although somehow I'm kind of worried that Naniwa would say things like "I didn't expect to get this far.." "I don't expect to win but let's see.." because that feels so un-Naniwaish to me. I've always known Naniwa as a player with a great fighting heart, as someone who is not afraid of anyone and wants to win and so him to become a timid "I'm just happy to have reached this level.." would be kind of sad. In my eyes Naniwa has always been the player who cares about winning more than anything else. Where others would say "I'm scared to face this and this player" Naniwa would simply say that he wants to play the best players precisely because they are the best.
But yeah, I guess he did say he will continue to try to win every game and just being realistic is not necessarily admitting defeat but I just hope that he never loses the fighting spirit. GO Naniwa!
I've disliked Naniwa for a long time, thought he was over rated and thought he was extremely immature and to be frank a cry baby. After the whole probe rush incident and not getting Code S, he seems to have grown up quite a bit. Both as a player and personality wise. He is slowly winning me over as a fan... Keep it up Naniwa!
On April 19 2012 03:49 Necro)Phagist( wrote: I've disliked Naniwa for a long time, thought he was over rated and thought he was extremely immature and to be frank a cry baby. After the whole probe rush incident and not getting Code S, he seems to have grown up quite a bit. Both as a player and personality wise. He is slowly winning me over as a fan... Keep it up Naniwa!
Damn, if there's no Zerg advance tomorrow ( which could happen cuz MVP and herO's vs Zerg is pretty kick-ass), then I'm thinking about a good chance of Nani in the final. I don't think any Protoss can beat him in PvP, may be some TvP specialist like MKP or SuperNova, otherwise he's good to go.
"However, sometimes when I see fans from Sweden cheering me on, I get a boost. I send my thanks to them"
That's it, Im moving to Sweden to get a swedish citizenship. One can obviously not be a true Nani-fan if one is not a swede:D GJ Nani and prepare well for R8, GSL champion is not impossible, its all in your head.
"However, sometimes when I see fans from Sweden cheering me on, I get a boost. I send my thanks to them"
That's it, Im moving to Sweden to get a swedish citizenship. One can obviously not be a true Nani-fan if one is not a swede:D GJ Nani and prepare well for R8, GSL champion is not impossible, its all in your head.
On April 19 2012 03:49 Necro)Phagist( wrote: I've disliked Naniwa for a long time, thought he was over rated and thought he was extremely immature and to be frank a cry baby. After the whole probe rush incident and not getting Code S, he seems to have grown up quite a bit. Both as a player and personality wise. He is slowly winning me over as a fan... Keep it up Naniwa!
Immature yes, overrated no. If anything he was underrated for a very long time.
On April 19 2012 03:58 jtp118 wrote: if MVP somehow gets knocked out of his group ... Nani could seriously take this GSL
I think MVP is Naniwa's only hope really. MVP is (or at least was) a god versus Zerg, he can knock them out for Naniwa but he's always been more shaky vs. toss so Nani could beat him.
I think most progamers underestimate the amount of time and care that goes into a puppy, when Byun got his his performance immediately dropped dramatically, and only now has he come back :p puppies are cute, but they can kill ones esports career!
On April 19 2012 06:16 Fragile51 wrote: I think most progamers underestimate the amount of time and care that goes into a puppy, when Byun got his his performance immediately dropped dramatically, and only now has he come back :p puppies are cute, but they can kill ones esports career!
He actually got in trouble for that scandal thing is why he disappeared for awhile .
Also very impressive by Naniwa, I don't like the guy but mad props to make it to ro8 in code S. Was shocked to see him make it past ro32, and now 16. Wonder how he'll do in the ro8 now that it is bo5 and what not.
Really liking Nani's professionalism (sp? a real word? lol) in the interview. I hope he can make it up high and show what a lot of his fans have been waiting for
On April 19 2012 06:16 Fragile51 wrote: I think most progamers underestimate the amount of time and care that goes into a puppy, when Byun got his his performance immediately dropped dramatically, and only now has he come back :p puppies are cute, but they can kill ones esports career!
He actually got in trouble for that scandal thing is why he disappeared for awhile .
Also very impressive by Naniwa, I don't like the guy but mad props to make it to ro8 in code S. Was shocked to see him make it past ro32, and now 16. Wonder how he'll do in the ro8 now that it is bo5 and what not.
It all makes sense now! Byun arranges scandal so that he has more time to take care of puppy...
Edit: and back on topic, Supernova is always so adorable in his interviews.
On April 19 2012 06:16 Fragile51 wrote: I think most progamers underestimate the amount of time and care that goes into a puppy, when Byun got his his performance immediately dropped dramatically, and only now has he come back :p puppies are cute, but they can kill ones esports career!
He actually got in trouble for that scandal thing is why he disappeared for awhile .
Also very impressive by Naniwa, I don't like the guy but mad props to make it to ro8 in code S. Was shocked to see him make it past ro32, and now 16. Wonder how he'll do in the ro8 now that it is bo5 and what not.
You forget that he got eliminated from Code S and Code A in the next two seasons after he got his Ro4 place. (and this was the time when falling out of Code S and Code A took longer and was more difficult). Then he got into that scandal.
I still remember the day I became a Naniwa fan - it was after reading some interview where Naniwa basically said he was willing to sacrifice anything to achieve his dreams in Korea, I think. It's really nice seeing his efforts pay off
On April 19 2012 15:18 mongmong wrote: why do all the people that are from sweden want reactions from the korean community?????
I don't get it
It's not just the people from Sweden. It's natural to be curious about other peoples reactions (that's one of the reasons people come to forums), especially since the 2 cultures were so divided on the issue.
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.
DOn't do it Supernova! You're going to pull a Byun and drop all the way to code B next season, followed by a 4 month ban for match fixing?
On April 19 2012 15:18 mongmong wrote: why do all the people that are from sweden want reactions from the korean community?????
I don't get it
Maybe because we care about what koreans think of our players? Because Korea is THE heaven of Starcraft and it's important for us that our players are respected there. Ofcourse we wan't our players to be liked there.
Personally i really like South-Korea alot so it's interesting to know if atleast some people like him over there.
But i don't care so much anymore what people think about NaNiwa because all that matters for me is what i think of him and i love the guy.
Nani finally improved his mindset too. Or atleast his acting skills to the public - either way - that was needed. Hope he keeps it up, always loved his play - if he stops the drama I'll be perfectly fine calling myself a Nani-fan.
EPT
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