[Interview] 2012 GSL S2 CodeS RO16 Group D Winners

What are your thoughts on advancing to ro8?

I think it was easier than expected. Oz is a great player as are the other two players in my group so I thought advancing wouldn’t be easy.

You seem to be on a roll in both ro32 and ro16

My games are turning out well. There is of course luck involved. That’s not to say I haven’t grown as a player.

People must think of you now as a possible champion

When I first got into Code S, my goal was to just win ro32 but now that I’m in ro8, I’m getting a bit greedy. The new goal is to win the championship.

Oz is a great PvPer but you took him out easily.

My head hurt during practice (T/N: from frustration). Oz’s must have hurt even more during the games today. He prepared some never before seen things but my standard builds worked too well.

Weren’t you expecting to meet MC in the winner’s match?

I expected a PvP 90%. After I finished setting up, I watched the first match but Maru was really good. I wanted MC to win though.

In your games against Oz, your immortal+forcefield control was a sight to behold

It wasn’t planned. However, looking at Oz’s situation, his observer seemed to be late and he wasn’t able to scout me for a while. I knew he wouldn’t be able to counter so I opted for that build.

Startale Protsses are on fire lately

Well, it’s hard to say (laugh). Both Parting and I are using the momentum of getting into Code S to get this far. The momentum seems to be major factor.

What about Ace? When will he be able to show what he’s made of?

I can’t say for sure (laugh). He’s a great player but luck’s not on his side.

You are taking on Taeja in ro8. Are you confident?

I am confident this time. Our record at the moment is 0:2 in his favour but I’m a very different player now. I have plenty of confidence.

The bracket could match you up against Parting in the finals

Is there about 30% chance of that happening? He and I could both drop at some point. The fans probably don’t want a PvP finals anyway.

Anything to add?

I want to thank the players who helped with practice: Tiger, Ace, Naniwa and Sound. I want to thank our sponsors BenQ, Red Bull, Zowie Gear, Zowie.

You are back in ro8 after one season

I was reminded of what a difficult place ro8 is to get to. I got into ro8 too easily the first time round so thought it wasn’t a biggie but now I am experiencing firsthand what’ it’s really like. I am feeling great.

Unlike your first time in Code S, your run in Code S this time seems shaky. What’s the secret to reaching ro8 despite that?

The first time, I think my opponent’s laxity against me and the lack of information on my play worked well in my favour. However, now that my style is out, I’m worse off compared to before (laugh). Even if I don’t win this season, I am playing with the mindset of improving myself so I tend to carry through even in difficult situation. I’m not too worried even though my skill level may not be adequate right now. I am practising hard and improving all the time.

You were smashed by Squirtle in your first match. Is your pride as the best PvPer crushed along with that match?

Out of all the Protosses I may have had to face, I prepared extra well for Squirtle but lost. I am close friends with him so we talk a lot and he played so well. It was a match where I played badly. I hope we meet again for a better one.

Were your builds made useless? Or was it your condition?

Set 1 was going as I planned. However, I made mistakes such as letting in his zealot. I think I made some basic mistakes while pursuing perfect play. The mistake of losing the watch tower was painful.

You met MC in the loser’s match, was this expected?

I’m great friends with MC as well. To be honest, I did think that MC has a chance of losing to Maru. OF course, I thought he had an even better chance of winning. Maru is a great player. I didn’t watch the winner’s match and kept laddering to get my PvP ready.

Wasn’t a PvP against MC a big deal?

I’ve played many official matches against him so I know his style well. I felt a bit at ease because of that. Of course, since he’s a great player, I did feel a bit of pressure.

You lost Set 1 in your final match against Maru

I only had a basic plan for PvT. It was going according to plan but the armies missed each other and due to misjudgement, I lost. I had 5 high templars so if I’d just cleaned up the Terran’s main and defended my own expansion, I would’ve won but my decisions weren’t so great at the time. They were neither here nor there.

You are taking on Parting in ro8

The bracket is as I want it to be. This is exactly what I wanted. I said so in the group nominations but I really want to face Parting. We were on the same team once and at the moment, he’s the best player. We are friendly towards each other as well. We’ll have to see but I have confidence..

Your best result is ro8. Do you want to go further?

I won’t set ro4 as my goal. If anything, it’s the championship (laugh). Ro4 isn’t such a big deal to me. I will prepare all future matches with the goal of at least reaching the finals.

Anything to add?

It was my birthday a few days ago so I want to thank all the fans who wished me a happy birthday. I also want to thank FXO and Razer. A lot of players helped with practice. There are so many that I can’t mention their names but thank you. I also want to thank my girlfriend who cheers me on. Lastly, I want to say: “let’s have fun, Parting!”