[Interview] 2012 GSL S3 CodeS RO8 D2

How do you feel taking down Nestea to advance to ro4?

I last got into ro4 on the 20th of July last year and it’s a similar time this year so it felt like I could advance once more. I am feeling fantastic.

Were you aware that Metropolis, the map used in Set 1, did not have a neutral supply depot at the bottom of the ramp?

I was. I played against Coca on Metropolis last week and found out then. I checked in VODs of other players and made sure before preparing this strategy.

Your TvZ hasn’t been great since your return.

Honestly though, I’m very confident in the match up. For some reason, I get really nervous in official matches and lose. Even today, I was worried that nerves would get to me but looking at TiG’s winner predictions, I saw that one of the reporters predicted my victory. That article gave me the confidence I needed.

Did you expect a 3:0 victory?

My win rate in practice was excellent. I played 5 games each against practice partners and I usually went 4:1 or 5:0. So I knew that as long as I took the first set, I would go 3:0.

Is Terran okay against Zerg now?

I think we’re over it. In late game, battlecruisers supported by ravens can beat Zerg. The solution has been found.

You seemed to be taking it easy today.

The coach usually buys cheap $5 ‘Cheong Sim Hwan’ (T/N: herbal medicine that calms you down) but today he bought the good stuff. He said he spent more money on purpose to help me. I think that’s why I didn’t get nervous at all during the games.

You are the final Terran in this season.

There have been two times when there was only a single Terran in the ro4 and both times it’s been me. I’m very happy and proud to be the final Terran.

You face Seed in ro4.

I beat him in ro32 already so I will play with confidence. As long as I take Set 1, I should go 3:0.

You have been using strategies centred around the siege tank against Protoss lately

That strategy wasn’t planned. However, my opponent picked Whirldwind which was totally unexpected so I improvised on the spot but it turned out rather well. It was a defeat but I think it can be a great strategy with some refinement nonetheless.

Are you confident about reaching the finals?

Just like how I made it into ro4 similar to last year, I fear I may be eliminated in ro4 once again. However, my return to top form is complete so I will aim for the finals. I will play without caring about the pressure. I think I can do well that way.

Anything to add?

I want to thank Coca who helped with practice as well as BboongBboon, Salmosa and Aria. There were more people who helped with practice but I forgot to bring the list of names with me today. I want to say that I am grateful regardless.
Annyeong, who I am very close to, is retiring so I wish him the best of luck.

You took down Naniwa after a close match to advance to ro4. How do you feel?

I watched Naniwa’s games and he seemed deficient in his PvZ so I wasn’t worried. However, since last evening, I started getting a bad feeling so did some extra practice which saved me today.

Many expected a one sided victory for you but it was actually quite close.

My opponent didn’t play as I expected. He played in a style I’ve never encountered before. Additionally, I made numerous mistakes which made it closer than it should have been. Luckily, I adapted as the games went on so I was able to win in the end.

You used hydras in Set 4 only to lose.

I was so ahead that I thought I could make any unit and still win so chose hydras. However, it seems hydras are still the symbol of defeat. From now on, unless it’s a special situation, I will never use hydras.

Set 5 was fierce

After beating back the 4 gate, I felt like I could win no matter what. So I made mass roaches and attacked but Naniwa had more units than expected. I did think for a moment I was going to lose but with the gas I had banked up and with mistakes from Naniwa, I was able to take the game.

You face MC in ro4.

MC is a Protoss who I acknowledge to be the best at PvZ. I’ve beaten him plenty of times in foreign tournaments but at the recent MLG qualifier, I suffered a humiliating defeat. That’s why I wanted to face him once more and it’s great that we get to meet in ro4 of GSL. As much as MC is a Protoss I respect, I won’t drop my guard.

You must want this season more than ever as the finals is held in your home town.

I think I will regret it forever if I don’t make it to the finals. This finals is very meaning to myself but also to my team. That’s why we’re going to go to both GSL and GSTL finals.

Your team is now sponsored by Lotte

It’s a great source of motivation. We had a few foreign sponsors but this is the first time a major Korean corporation has started sponsoring us. This sponsorship has motivated myself and all my teammates.

Who do you think you will face in the finals if you make it?

I think TvZ would be the most fun. So I hope I get to face Byun.

Anything to add?

I want to thank our sponsors Lotte, Razer and our partner MYM. I want to thank my practice partners Finale and Vampire and also the coach who today brought with him the chair I use at the training house. Before the match, my family did a big cheer for me and last but not least, I want to thank my fans and my girlfriend.