[Interview] 2012 GSL S2 CodeA R2 Day 2 Winners

You advance to Round 3 2:0. How do you feel?

My win rate wasn’t great during practice but that’s purely because of how good the Protosses on my team are. Today’s match is proof of the strength of Protsses on Slayers and also how OP Protoss is as a race.

Protoss OP?

I feel like that often during practice. There is no way to stop a warp prism and as long as Protoss makes one, it's cost effective. Sentries feel more powerful than before too. On top Protoss is very mobile. In Starcraft 1, Zerg was the one to control the flow of the game even in the late game but since broodlords are so slow, Protoss overtakes Zerg in Starcraft 2.

Yet you win 2:0. Have you found a solution?

Gradually, I figured out which timings I was most vulnerable at and why I lost. I played the game extremely carefully and my opponent doesn’t seem to have had a very long term plan.

You are still in the training house. How is it?

I want to go home (laugh). No no, I want to remain at the training house. Honestly, I want to go back and forth but that’s not practical. I will most likely remain at the training house. I feel like I can manage stress better at the training house.

You take on MKP in Round 3

It will be a difficult experience but also a great opportunity. Since the opponent is so strong, won’t it be an upset if I win? I should be able to draw some attention to myself. If I return to Code S in this way, no progamer will underestimate me like they did in the previous seasons.

You seem brighter than in the Round 1 interview

At the time, I had some personal things that were affecting me. I am much better now. I am still concerned but it seems that I am not as depressed.

Out of all Starcraft 2 progamers, you are the only one to consistently remain in Code A.

I know. It’s been such a long time. People call me ‘the Code A Grandmaster’, ‘King of Code A’ and stuff. It’s because I have ambition but I am unable to fully focus on the game.

Anything to add?

I want to thank the players who helped with practice. Alicia was feeling down after he fell out of Code A but he’s better now after the MLG qualifiers. I met a certain ex-player (T/N: savior) on the subway earlier today which I felt gave me bad luck so it’s a relief now that I have won. Well, I guess I should say sorry to him (laugh).

You have reached Code A Round 3 without any hiccups

I feel great. I’ve lost to Tree several times on the ladder. Then today, I won convincingly which is fantastic.

How exactly did you lose to him on ladder?

Whenever it went to macro, I would lose. That’s why I relied heavily on strategy today.

You chose proxy barracks in Set 1. Your opponent’s strategy was just as outrageous.

I had no clue that there were hellions being made in my main. I honestly thought the two hellions were mine. Then, my hellions came out at the right timing and I was able to defend.

How was Set 2?

Tree went for a 2 gas after expansion trick. So, I gave up on the strategy I had prepared and countered his build. Today’s match went really well.

Your rise after the time of reflection is scary

There’s the fact that I have focused heavily on the game and returning via GSTL was a great help too. I’m still nervous about GSL though. It’s as if I have just debuted. Today was the same.

You take on theStC in Round 3.

Tree is way scarier. Round 3 should be much more manageable.

You keep running into Terrans.

I played a lot of TvT last time I was in Code S ro4 (T/N: yes, I remember those dark dark days of Terran domination). I’m happy about the fact I am keep getting TvTs. It will let me get to Code S quickly.

How confident are you about your return to Code S?

I’m planning not to go to UnD. As long I don’t get too nervous, I should be able to win in Round 3 and go straight into Code S. If I go to UnD, it may be a bit harder.

Nowdays, there doesn’t seem to be a lot of people who say bad things about you

Not as much as before. However, I checked PlayXP in the booth today and there are still people who criticize me. It bothers me but I hope they will look favourably on me as I continue to work hard.

Anything to add?

Today, Cella told me that Coca is doing well at the training house. I hope he breaks through the qualifiers this time. I want to thank Puma and Polt for practice. I hope Hack, who lost yesterday, makes it through UnD. Lastly, it was AnnYeong’s and my birthday yesterday so I want to thank the teammates who held a party for us. Yesterday was Parents’ Day so I want to say that I love my parents.

You have reached Code A Round 3

Luck was really on my side today so I’m happy. I was worried since my condition wasn’t good and my play wasn’t top notch either. I was fine until I came to the studio then the waiting time was long so I got some food. Afterwards, the sudden stomachache really worried me.

You defeated Puzzle 2:1

The build in Set 2 was a peculiar one that I learned while laddering yesterday. I played on a friend’s account which had low MMR. I lost. Was it high master or so? I used the build that my opponent used in that game.

Can you remember that user’s ID?

It was ‘HardCharcoal’ (T/N: literal translation). I was bewildered at my loss at first but checking the replay, I saw that the build was just really good and I tried it on some players and they all agreed it was good.

You defended a colossus+immortal push with archons in set 3.

That is not an easy composition to fend off. Luck was on my side. I made up my mind to just do my best once my DTs did no damage but the game went really favourably for me.

You meet Maru, your teammate, in Round 3

He’s a player who's grown considerably and is very good. You can expect good games.

You haven’t had to teamkill in a while.

I’m not sure how to prepare at all. Also, we may feel awkward after the match so I should talk to Maru about this beforehand.

You seem to be doing well this season. Are you confident about making it into Code S?

I hope I make it. I’m not thinking about UnD at the moment. If I do fall to UnD, I will have to prepare well.

Anything to add?

I want to thank Classic, Hero, Tear, and finale for practice. I want to thank 'HardCharcoal’ in particular whom I met on ladder. I will work even harder for Skit whom I defeated in Round 1. I am acquainted with Skit. I want to thank our sponsor Tt-eSports.

You have made Code A Round 3. How do you feel?

It went well like I planned. I feel refreshed that the match ended faster than I expected.

Your early pressure was well placed today.

I studied early game movements watching VODs of other Terrans. I am trying to diversify my style at the moment and for today, I studied early game movements in particular.

You can’t have been too worried since it was a TvT

My win rate in practice wasn’t spectacular. Practice for TvT is hard. I’m still confident about tournament matches though. I never feel like I will lose.

LG sponsoring your team must have motivated you further

There is some added pressure. I feel that I should post some results that are befitting of the name LG-IM.

Recently, LG-IM established an LoL team

At first, it was weird to see LoL players practise. Now, it’s all the same. It’s still a bit awkward at the moment but we’ll become close quickly.

You meet either Killer or forgg in Round 3.

Either is fine. TvP is a hard matchup but ladder and tournament are two different things. You are able to use strategic play to your advantage in a tournament setting so Protoss has a lot to worry about. Still, if it goes to the late game, TvP is hard.

Have you improved a lot with recent practice?

I am practising less but my efficiency has increased. I am practising with a focus. I am concentrating harder in a pre-determined time to perfect whatever I am working on.

Anything to add?

I want to thank Dreamertt and Yoda who helped me like it was their own practice. MVP gave me a lot of advice as well. I ask that the fans pay a lot of attention to our LoL team too. I want to thank our sponsors LG electronics, Coca-cola, Googims and SteelSeries.

You have advanced to Code A Round 3

Aside from winning, I’m happy that I beat such a high calibre player like Nestea.

You unexpectedly took a 2:0 victory

In my last interview, I said that I was going to take care of things outside the game. I entered today’s match without any pressure. Back when I was posting better results, it was because I didn’t feel pressured. It’s a similar situation now. Playing with a clear mind was key.

Your choice of strategy and macro were top notch too. Did you do a lot of research?

I had a different strategy lined up for Set 1 but I met Nestea on the ladder yesterday. I was on a smurf and Nestea was using his own. He was using a build unable to defend against double factory hellion so I changed up my strategy. I got lucky.

Your next opponent is the winner of MMA vs Line. Who do you prefer?

I’ve been playing TvZ constantly so I don’t mind Line but I have a lot to show in a TvT. I want to prove the strength of my TvT againsat MMA.

You have one more hill to climb before returning to Code S. Are you confident?

I am. Like I’ve said, as long as I am in a good spot outside the game, I am fine skill-wise. My skill is Code S level or higher. As long as I take care of myself outside the game, I can beat anyone.

What prompted you to focus on your life outside the game?

In a recent Code S match, I fell from Code S after losing to Nada. I had practised a ton at the time and even felt that I was growing as a player. However, in the actually match, I got careless and felt that it was something outside the game that was lacking. Since that match, I have been working on external factors.

Soon GSTL begins. You must be excited

I am very excited. My team was unfortunately eliminated and this season, I want no regrets.

Anything to add?

I want to thank teammates who helped with practice. I also want to thank our partner MYM and sponsor Razer. Also, yesterday was Parents’ Day but all I did was make a phone call. I want to say that I love my parents.

You advance to Round 3 with a dominant victory

I’ve known Line since the Starcraft 1 days and we even used to live in the same amateur training house. He seemed to have a lot of trouble in practice. Then, he announced to me that he would take me down so I practised harder which is why I did well today. Line lost but I’m planning on helping him with practice for UnD.

You attend Iron Squid held in France. Was practice not affected?

It was fine. Luckily, I had about two days of practice so I used that time to practise with the SlayerS Zergs.

It was your first time in France, how was it?

It was good but reality certainly didn’t match my expectations. The way drivers ignored the traffic signs and speeded was especially shocking.
I loved the crowd’s cheering. It was at the level of last year’s Blizzcon. I was really elated during the games too.

There are a lot of fans worried about your fall from Code S ro32 but you’ve won a foreign title after a long time.

Since the fall from ro32, I was on a decline. However, when you fall, the only way is back up. There is no reason to worry since that’s exactly what I’m planning on doing.

You take on Keen on your path to Code S.

Keen is so good at planning out the match. He won 2:0 today as well. He’s one of the players that I acknowledge as being good so I’ll have to practise hard. I have high expectations for the match.

Are you confident about returning to Code S?

50/50. It all depends on how well I read Keen. I’ve played so many TvTs that my style has been completely exposed which worries me. Then again, I could use that to my advantage.

GSTL, the tournament that forged MMA, is set to begin

I am very excited. Last season, our team got eliminated too early. This season, we’ll make the finals for sure and get our hands on that trophy. Now that our line-up has been reinforced, even if the aces fail, we have strong back-ups. Expect a lot from Miya and Crank.

Anything to add?

I posted some great results in France. I want to thank Jessica, Boxer, Cella and the teammates for cheering me on until late at night. I want to thank our sponsors PokariSweat and Troy. Yesterday was Parents’ Day so I’m very sorry about not being able to visit and since the match is over, I’ll go now and treat my parents well.

You have advanced to Code S Round 3

I feel like fortune was the victor today. I said in the last interview that my health wasn’t the best and I haven’t yet fully recovered so I wasn’t able to practise a lot. I played about 6 games against Ryung for practice. I will prepare well for my next match and show great games.

You began by giving away Set 1. Was it the lack of practice?

It must have been as my hands were shaky. I should’ve been in a good spot but my supply was too low. So I got angry at myself. Starting in Set 2, I let go a little and improvised on the spot which made me able to play comfortably according to my own style.

In Set 3, you made the mistake of not researching siege mode

I could have ended it then so when I found out, I was taken aback. However, I was in an advantageous position so victory was still mine.

You succeeded in turning the match around and your performance wasn’t so bad either

My past practice really helped. I couldn’t practise as much as I wanted this time but since I can still watch VODs and analyse, my game sense remains.

Your next opponent is a Protoss (T/N: more like THE Protoss), MC

I lost to him in Code S before but in foreign tournaments, I have beaten him plenty of times. However, his title, the Protoss President, deserved. Also, MLG Spring qualifier #2 and UnD overlap. I have to attend a Red Bull tournament as well so I can’t afford to go to UnD.
I must win no matter what and make it into Code S. If I lose in Round 3, I only have 1 free day. If GomTV staff are watching, I want to ask for a rescheduling if I fall to UnD.

How do you feel now that you’ve been out of Code S for a whole season?

I’ve lost a lot of nervousness and greed. Before, my desire to get into Code S was strong which drove me to work hard even in Code A but I unknowingly became arrogant. I am working hard like it’s my first tiem trying now. I will work on the remaining matches purposefully and get some good results.

Are you allowed to participate in the second season of GSTL?

I haven’t been told yet. If possible, I will work my hardest.

Anything to add?

I want to thank the team’s CEO Jason Lake and Jason Bass. Of course, also the team manager Scott.
Ryung and Heart helped out this time so I want to thank them. Ryung lost today but I hope he stands resolute and show us great games in the future. Lastly, I want to thank all my fans who cheer me on.

You have easily advanced to Round 3

I am happy about the fact that there is just one more person to take down before I return to Code S. I want to beat Happy and return to Code S no matter what.

You succeeded in an exquisite timing push in both games.

It was intentional. I went for a timing where my opponent is supposed to be weak but he had so few units that I was a bit bewildered. Both games went according to plan.

Protoss is doing well. Your opinion on this issue?

The nature of the game doesn’t allow perfect balance. However, Terran is at a bit of a disadvantage. Once it reaches late game, it’s hard to keep up with the production capabilities of Protoss.

This is your second win against Killer in a row after you beat him in UnD

No special reason. The matches just turned out well.

You have been in Code S twice and fallen in ro32 both times. How do you see this?

I think it’s because Code S has a different format compared to Code A. I am not used to loser’s choice of map system. Personally, I am strongest when I play in a pre-determined map.

Are you confident about advancing far in your third run of Code S if you get there?

Code S ro8 and onward, it’s best of 5 and the maps are set. If I make it to ro8, I should even be able to reach the finals. In the end, the problem lies in getting to ro8. Getting used to the format of Code S will be crucial.

When do you think you’ll be able to do well in Code S?

Overall, my play is still quite unstable. I have to improve further to make it far.

Starcraft 1 is switching over to Starcraft 2. How do you feel about that?

I was saddened by the bickering between Starcraft 1 and Starcraft 2 fans. Now that we have the opportunity to come together, I am optimistic about the future.

When people talk about the performance of Starcraft 1 players in Starcraft 2, they like to mention your name. What is your view on this?

I happen to think it all depends on how focused you are on the game. I’ve heard that Starcraft 1 will be running in parallel but you really have to stick to Starcraft 2 to catch up.
When I started Starcraft 2 by myself at home, it took me about 2 months for me to reach top 10 in Grandmaster. If players work in a team, they should be able to do that even more quickly.
However, the problem is that Starcraft 2 is completely different to how it used to be. You have to pay attention to so many more things that may seem insignificant at first and skill on the ladder has improved considerably too. I improved pretty quickly then but if I were to do it now, it would take much longer.

Anything to add?

I want to thank my teammates and Blanca who helped with practice. (T/N: man, love forgg. Looking up player/team staff names is the most time consuming and annoying thing ever)