[Interview] 2012 GSL S3 CodeS RO16 Group A

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.

Your thoughts on advancing after some close matches

I thought I would advance in first place but I’m happy to advance even if it’s in second place.

You are full of confidence. What’s causing this?

I have jumped up a level in skill recently. At the recent MLG, I got through the first qualifier with straight wins so I was confident that I would take first place in the group today.

You seem to be doing better since changing teams.

I think TeamLquid suits me better. There are a lot more fans who cheer for me now so it’s given me a boost.

You were against MVP in your first match, were you confident going into that?

I was. I am confident about my TvT and I was in the same group with him at the MLG qualifier and after seeing him lose to Jjakji, I knew I would win.

You must regret your loss in the winner’s match.

I never expected to lose. I have been very confident about TvP lately and I had already beaten Seed 2:0 at the MLG qualifier so I was sure I would win. Being too passive was my downfall. I thought Seed would play passively so I was matching that but he went for a 4 gate rush which crushed me. Initially, I still thought I would hold but it’s been a while since I have had to defend against a 4 gate so my execution wasn’t smooth.

You won a very closely fought final match.

Violet always had more army than I expected him to so there was no way for me to attack into him. So I changed up my style to be more harass oriented and that seemed to work. The power of harass carried me to victory.

Your TvZ has been 100% until today this year

The secret to my victories is control. I think the reason why I lost my first set was because the map didn’t suit my style.

Do you wish to face a Zerg in the upper rounds?

I want to take a break from TvZ for a while. I wish to face MC in the upper rounds. However, I have a feeling that MarineKing will be first in his group which is concerning. He’s such a great player and it won’t be easy to take him on. There are many great players in Group B but MKP is one of a kind.

It seems like you could be aiming rather high this season

I’m going to be satisfied with nothing less than the finals. I think once I get to the finals, a championship is a possibility too.

Did you check the bracket for the OSL qualifier?

It’s such a shame that they are picking only one player per group. GSL always has the best players seeded so it’s easier for the qualifying players but for OSL, everyone has to start from the beginning which will make it hell. However, I am confident I will make it through.

What do you think about your OSL group?

I think Sniper and Puma will be the players to watch out for. I’m a little worried because there are four Zergs in my group.

Anything to add?

I want to thank the sponsors theLittaleAppFactory, Twtich TV and Razer and also say thanks to my teammates who cheered me on. I’ll work even harder from now on. TeamLquid Hwaiting!