[Interview] Code A Preliminaries 2012 GSL S5 Day 2

MVP_TAiLS



Source: This Is Game

You were able to get through the Code A Preliminaries.

I don't really feel anything besides dullness. I've stepped on the stages of Code A plenty of times but I've never been to Up/Downs. This time, I absolutely want to experience the Up/Downs.

Why do you think you have been unable to climb the Code A wall?

I would always get pitted up against the really tough players and I would get nervous as well. I played many games where I could have won but allowed my opponent to make comebacks because of my mistakes. My hands also are on the rather slow side so my multitasking was lacking.

So your goal for this season will be the Up/Downs?

If I can qualify for the Up/Downs then I should also be able to make it to Code S. Code A is all about luck in who you end up facing so as long as I get a nice group of opponents to face from the get go, it should be possible.

What did you think after seeing your opponents for today's preliminaries?

There weren't a lot of Code B gosus this time. So I figured this was going to be doable.

If you had to evaluate today's games?

I was able to use up every single build order I had thought up of. I had moments where my builds didn't work out but I was able to make comebacks happen and I won. I think I got lucky.

You faced EG.HuK in the finals.

I had beaten all my opponents with a score of 2-0 so far, so I figured I could do the same against him.

A lot of players are stating that it is difficult to face Zergs these days.

I have my own method of handling Zerg players so I am not afraid of them. Sure it's difficult once they get a ton of brood lords, but the key is to eliminate them before they can do that.

A lot of people are praising Life's Zerg style. What are your opinions?

It seems like Life's style is to gather an army quickly and then engage afterwards. A lot of Zerg players seem to try to get all their tech up while buying time, but it seems like they now realize how difficult that is so they're starting to adapt to Life's style of playing.

For a while now, you have been unable to make any significant results on the Code A stage.

I'm doing relatively well for my team leagues but I seem to be unable to do the same for my individual leagues. This time, I really want to make some significant results no matter what.

Anyone you are specifically dreading facing in Code A?

I have some really good momentum going for me right now so there is no one I am currently dreading facing. I think I can win even if I meet a difficult opponent.

Anything else you would like to say?

I'm in Taiwan right now but my parents and friends call me everyday so I want to thank them for that. I also want to thank my fans for cheering me on and thank my teammates for practicing so diligently these days. Lastly, I want to thank our sponsors Lotte, RAZER, and partners MYM and Wayi Spider.

LG-IM_NesTea



How was your first Code A preliminaries experience?

I've been showing some poor performances lately but this preliminary motivated me to work harder. I'm really happy that I made it through and I will make sure I show a better form from here on out.

How did you prepare for your matches after you saw your group?

I just practiced the basics. I wanted to use my pre-planned builds regardless of who my opponents were going to be.

If you had to pick the hardest match from today?

The match against Horang2 comes to mind. I used a certain strategy in game one but I wasn't able to do anything and just ended up taking a loss. I was in a difficult state since I started off with a loss in game one. There was a dangerous moment during game three as well but thankfully everything ended up going well so I was able to win.

This is your first qualifiers ever since the GSL open seasons.

I honestly did not expect to be at the qualifiers this quickly. I had a lot of personal doubts about myself since I couldn't focus much on practicing these days because of our team's activities, but I've been given the chance to practice up again so I just focused. I feel like this is a fresh start for me so I think it will motivate me to work hard.

Most likely your goal will probably be to make it back to Code S but how far do you think you'll make it?

First off, I need to secure my spot in the Up/Downs before thinking about going to Code S. If I can just get to the Up/Downs, then I should be able to make it straight to Code S.

Is there a part of you that doesn't want to go back to Code S?

If I can just focus on practicing then I think it'll be completely possible for me to make it back to Code S. ZvZs are kind of difficult so I would prefer to avoid those if at all possible. If I just work hard, I am sure I can make it back to Code S.

Anything else you would like to say?

I haven't been performing all that well so my fans have been worried about me but I will make sure I show a great new form starting with the Code A brackets. I would like a lot of support from my fans. The coach and his wife work so hard for us but they've been feeling rather tired lately so I hope they remain strong. I also want to thank my girlfriend for always supporting me. Lastly, I want to thanks our sponsors LG, Steelseries, Googims, Coca-Cola, and Nvidia.

ClassicPRIME



You successfully made it to your first ever Code A appearance. Tell us how you feel.

It has been almost a year and half since I've started this game. I've attempted the preliminaries ten times during the span of that time and haven't made it through once. So I started wondering whether or not there was something wrong with me. Creator helped me a lot as I was preparing for the preliminaries and I think that is why I was able to make it through this time.

What did you think after you saw your group?

My Ro8 opponent was RagnaroK. I was really worried since I had heard that he was a good player but I got the confidence that I was going to make it to Code A this time after I beat him. There was also a chance that I could have ended up facing Tear but he was eliminated from the Ro16 so I felt relieved.

Any match that particularly stood out to you today?

Probably the finals against ParalyzE. I prepared DT builds and as it turns out, ParalyzE had no observers prepared. That was probably the most exciting moment of the day.

Since it was a long and difficult road for you to get to Code A, your goals must differ from the others.

My goal is of course to get to Code S. I have a good win ratio through my practices and I am not the type to get nervous even when on camera so it should be doable for me. Internally, I'm fine but I have issues externally so as long as I give extra attention to that part, I should be fine.

If you had to pick the best Protoss out of all the players?

I really think Creator is a top tier Protoss. There's a pretty big age gap between us and that's why I haven't been able to thank him properly yet. I want to thank Creator. I was fine while BBoongBBoong was there but he left the team so I've been facing some hardships. But recently, Terius moved back to the team house so I've been able to get over it bit by bit.

Personally, what do you think about the trends of the game?

For PvT, the better player wins and for PvZ, it's just plain difficult. I don't think it's really an issue of balance but rather an issue of maps. Some maps are really small and also the naturals are created strangely so it can get difficult. I really think the solutions lie in the maps. While it's true that brood lords are slow, if the map is small, they can still be used to defend really well.

Anything else you would like to say?

Making it Code A was difficult. I'm going to work even harder from here on out so that I can make it to Code S. Currently there are a lot of your gamers in PRIME but they don't understand the value of the game. I really hope they come to realize that on their own and work hard so that we can all succeed together. Lastly, I want to thank the coach.

MVP_Dream



Source: This Is Game

You've made it to Code A two seasons in a row. How do you feel?

I'm glad I made it through the preliminaries but I still have a long road ahead of me so I'm not all that happy yet.

How did you think your matches would go after you saw your group?

I thought I had a relatively easier group compared to the others. I figured I would make it to Code A as long as I played patiently.

Any matches that particularly stood out to you?

The finals probably. I beat everyone else with a score of 2-0 but the finals was the only round where I won by a score of 2-1. I got really nervous for the final game. I beat Dear by a score of 2-0 during last season's preliminaries so I was confident that I could do it again this time.

Team MVP has made the GSTL semi finals for a total of five seasons now.

Our team house atmosphere was really great but it has gotten so much better ever since Killer hyung moved in. We have been able to prepare for the team leagues with a peaceful mindset. I really hope we get some really good results.

What are your goals for this season?

I have to beat my Ro48 opponent no matter what. At the very least, I want to make sure I stay in Code A this season.

Anything else you would like to say?

My performance was not necessarily my best. I want to make sure that I play like I always do for all my matches. My family has a lot of expectations for me so I want to make sure I show a great form. I really hope the other MVP players can make it through. Lastly, I want to thank our sponsors Lotte, RAZER, GOMtv and partners MYM and Wayi Spider.

FnaticRC_ByuL



Source: This Is Game

Your first ever Code A appearance. How do you feel?

This was my first time ever making through a qualifiers in Korea so I still haven't felt the full impact yet.

How did you feel like your matches were going to go after seeing your group?

I thought I would lose to minoR / SonGDuri and get eliminated. But my games went better than expected. Also, I figured I would easily defeat my finals opponent, Sea, but then I think I got nervous because the games turned out to be more difficult than expected.

If you had to pick a particularly difficult match from today?

My games against minoR / SonGDuri and Sea were the most difficult. I did not implement my strategies properly and I did not micro properly either. The only reason I was able to make it through was because I kept telling myself to play patiently.

Your goals for this season?

I think I'll be able to make it Code S. I tend to get nervous when I play in televised matches but if I can just overcome that I should be able to make it.

Anything else you would like to say?

I am going to work really hard from here on out. I've been struggling these days since I haven't made any significant results as of late. I will work even harder so that I can show some really good results for next year. I hope Oz hyung meets a Protoss when the time for his matches come (laughs).

Team 8_Jaedong



Tell us how you feel about making it to Code A.

I feel dazed. I didn't come here feeling like I absolutely had to make it no matter what. The pressure of needing to get good results was really stressing me out. I'm glad I made it through today but I realized that I never want to come back to the preliminaries ever again.

You were given a Code S seed last season but you fell out immediately.

Last season when I received my seed, I wasn't feeling confident in my skills and I was also mentally exhausted. I went to my matches whilst knowing my limitations so I wasn't able to produce any good results. But right now I'm fine. I can play comfortably now. I know where I am at now and for once, have started thinking that it's my time to start climbing.

You were being praised for transitioning to SC2 really well and for getting a Code S seed but your results did not reflect those praises.

I think I was still holding on to that confidence I once had from my BW days. I was able to realize that I needed to change that about myself.

Do you receive stress from the fact that so many people are praising you?

I think the stress I receive from getting praised directly reflects on my performances. Since I feel so exhausted from that, I think the fans need to give me a bit more time so that I can adapt to this game. I do think however that getting through the preliminaries will motivate me to do well.

How did you feel like your games were going to go after seeing your group?

I didn't put a lot of thought in to the players I would face in my group. And honestly, I didn't get a lot of time to practice either. I just wanted to play my games with the basics that I hold so it didn't matter to me who I faced.

How were your matches?

Personally, the match up where I feel most confident is ZvP. I was able to realize what areas I lack in through my ZvZs against Shine today. Mostly, luck was on my side during today's matches.

There is a notion that Code A is actually more difficult than Code S. What are your goals for this season?

I felt this a lot when I was watching the GSL but it is really difficult to get in to Code S. I also realized how disappointing it was for me to just get eliminated like that after receiving a seed. For now, I need to beat my Ro48 opponent so that I can remain in Code A for next season.

Do you think it'll be possible for you to get to Code S?

I think so. I've become much more solid in my gaming. Whether I fall to the Up/Downs or avoid it completely, I will make it through.

How was the MvP experience?

It was a tournament with a lot of perks. It was really good for the KeSPA players because we were able to experience and offline qualifiers. I also was able to gain a lot of confidence from that.

You missed your chance to go to MLG Dallas because you lost in the MvP playoffs.

It was disappointing but I admitted my defeat. I understood that I was still lacking in my skills so I need to keep on sharpening my sword.

How did you practice up for your matches?

I had a thing in Busan yesterday but before that I had just kept on practicing through ladder. That's why I was able to stick to the basics today.

Anything else you would like to say?

I feel good that I made it through like this and I also think now I can finally request my fans to have some expectations from me. I fell too easily back when I received my seed but I will show everyone a new Jaedong with my fresh start. Like always, it was because of my fans support that I was able to make it through the preliminaries. I will make sure that this time, I don't show a pathetic form like I showed back during Code S.

MVP_Noblesse



Source: This Is Game

You made it through the Code A preliminaries. How do you feel?

I can't necessarily say I'm feeling really happy because I won rather easily today since I got lucky with my group.

How were today's matches?

I expected to go through a difficult time, but then I saw who was in my group and figured I had good chance of making it.

Did you prepare anything specific for today's preliminaries?

There was a build order I prepared for today's preliminaries but I never got the chance to use it.

Any match that you particularly remember?

I remember the finals against oDin the best. I had pretty much lost for my game on Whirlwind and I was even planning on just letting my hands rest as I was ready to give up but then I somehow pulled off a comeback so I feel dazed because of that. oDin is good at the game but I think he still lacks game sense. If he just experiments with the game a little bit more, he should be fine.

You've always fell out in the Ro48 of Code A.

I was lucky and was able to make it to Code A but I still think I am lacking. I know Code A has a lot of strong players but as long as I can prepare well on my part, I should be fine. If I just practice extensively, Code S should also be a possibility.

This season's goals?

Like I previously stated, my goal for this season is to get to Code S.

A lot of pro gamers are saying that playing against Zerg is difficult.

If I lose my matches against Zerg, I don't think of any other reason than that I just wasn't good enough. Just like any other match up, if you just practice extensively, Zerg is playable against.

You stated that Code S was your goal. Anyone you're dreading facing or match up you're dreading facing?

If I just practice real hard without letting my guard down, match ups and who I face does not matter.

Anything else you would like to say?

These days, our team practices real hard and we also made it to the Ro4 of the GSTL so we're feeling really good right now. I really hope we can continue to progress forward with this feeling and win the championship without letting our guard down. I want to thank my teammates for helping me with practice and thank our sponsors Lotte, RAZER, GOMtv, and partners MYM and Wayi Spider.

LG-IM_LosirA



You successfully returned to Code A.

I've constantly been putting up poor results lately but I was able to get through the preliminaries like this so I am glad.

Why do you think you've been performing so poorly lately?

I think it's because I wasn't performing as well as I perform for my practices during my televised matches,

What kind of thoughts did you get after you saw your group?

I was feeling a little uneasy cause I saw several really good players but I was able to make it through in the end.

Any matches that were particularly difficult?

Almost as if I was playing on stage, I played my matches feeling really nervous. Every single match was critical to me.

Did you prepare anything specific for today's preliminaries?

I kept increasing my ladder points so that I could keep on practicing against harder and harder opponents.

Do you think you'll be able to show a changed side of you for this season?

Right now, I am booming with confidence. I am going to have to ask that the players who will eventually have to face me just think to themselves that they've already been eliminated and aim for next season.

Where did this confidence come from?

I have been producing some really good results on ladder lately. All the players I faced from Code A two seasons ago, I beat them on ladder. So as long as I prepare well, I can win against anyone.

So then this season's goal will be Code S?

Absolutely. Code S is my absolute goal.

Anyone you think that would be a problem to you from getting to Code S?

I don't really have one. I'll admit that everyone is good but I will be the victor in the end.

Anything else you would like to say?

I want to thank everyone who helped me with practice, the coach, his wife, my teammates, and sponsors LG, Steelseries, Googims, Nvidia, and Coca-Cola. After San got through the qualifiers yesterday he wished me good luck. I want to thank him for that. I am so grateful to my fans who cheer me on and I just want to say that I really want to be able to show the same form I have for my practices for my regular matches. I don't mind if they get expectations from this.

LG-IM_First



Source: This Is Game

Three seaons in a row you've made it to Code A. How do you feel?

I feel glad since I've made it through the preliminaries three seasons in a row but my indifference is actually bigger than my joy.

How did you think your matches were going to go after seeing your group?

I thought that ZerO was going to make it. But I figured that I would make it to Code A if I could just take care of ZerO in the finals.

Currently, you have some nice results overseas. However, you have very minimal results in Korea.

The sounds that I can hear from the GSL booths tend to bother me. I really need to learn to overcome the booth obstacles. But overseas tournaments doesn't have sound curtains so I think I was able to make a lot of good results because I was able to focus.

This season's Code A is also stacked with a lot of tough players. What are your goals?

This is something I always say after getting through the preliminaries but I absolutely want to get through the first round of Code A. My first and foremost goal is to secure my spot for next season's Code A.

What do you think will stop you from achieving this goal?

It seems like every Protoss player is having the most difficult against Zergs. And I'm not different. I worry the most about PvZs.

You were so close and yet you ended up grabbing second place for the MLG Summer Championships. What was the reason?

I missed my plane the day I was supposed to leave so I wasn't able to take care of my condition very well. That's why my games did not go the way I wanted them to.

Anything else you would like to say?

I will work harder than I did for last season so that I can achieve my goal for this season. I want to thank the coach and his wife. These past couple of days, I've had several things I've needed to apologize to the coach for. I will make up for that by working real hard. True, horror, and dreamertt weren't able to make it earlier today but I hope they remain strong. I also hope that YongHwa hyung makes it. Lastly, I want to thank our sponsors LG, Steelseries, Googims, Coca-Cola, and Nvidia.

LG-IM_YongHwa



Source: This Is Game

Your first ever Code A appearance. Tell us how you feel.

This is a stage that I've wanted to step on to for a very long time. I had no idea that it would take me this long to finally make it. Since I'm so late to the party, I will work hard so that I can make it to Code S.

What kind of thoughts did you get after you saw your group?

Whether there were a lot of strong or weak players, I just focused on performing to the best of my abilities since I knew I could make it as long as I did that. Which is why I didn't really care that much about who was in my group.

Why do you think you were so unsuccessful when it came to Code A preliminaries?

I still have no idea why to this day. I was so sure that skill wise, I was already there from a long time ago. I have a great win ratio for the GSTL as well. I'm good enough to handle other really good pro gamers I honestly have no idea why I was so unsuccessful. But now that I've finally made it through, maybe the answer will finally come to me.

You won every match by a score of 2-0.

I tend to get nervous a lot so if I had lost even one game out of those three matches, I probably would have been shot mentally. But then that didn't happen so I felt like my victories were pretty much so so.

What are your goals for this season?

My goal is to never ever repeat the preliminaries again. As long as I don't meet my teammates, I see even getting to Code S as a possibility.

You have the 2012 WCG finals ahead of you.

I don't have a lot of overseas experiences so I haven't been able to play against a lot of overseas players. There are a lot of famous players there. I think I'm going to have to prepare for them by watching their VODs and dissecting their plays.

Anything else you would like to say?

I was able to find a lot of source of strength today because NesTea hyung went and got soda for me and Mvp hyung sent me a text of encouragement. The coach also mind controlled me after every game so it was really helpful. I really hope that my teammates who weren't able to make it earlier today remain strong. I also want to thank the coach's wife for always taking care of us. Lastly, I want to thank our sponsors LG, Steelseries, Googims, Coca-Cola, and Nvidia.

Woongjin Stars_hOn_sin



Source: This Is Game

Tell us how you feel about making it to your first ever Code A.

I told myself to just execute my build orders well but I was able to get through like this so it is amazing. I feel good and all but I still haven't completely felt it yet so it's just amazing for now.

So does this mean that you came to the preliminaries today without a lot of expectations?

I didn't really have any expectations and just told myself that I should at the very least take down one player. I haven't had the best of results lately so I had lost a lot of my confidence.

Any match that you particularly remember today?

It's been over three and a half years since I became a pro gamer but I haven't been able to make it through a qualifiers ever. Since I was able to make it through a qualifiers today when I didn't even think about it, so today in general is something that will remain in my memory.

Personally, how are you against Zergs?

TvZ is so difficult. It's so bad that I always get so amazed when I watch a Terran win against a Zerg during a televised match,

You took down Zerg players like EffOrt and Monster in order to advance to Code A.

Even though I met a lot of situations where the game wasn't progressing in my favor, I kept on persevering without giving up and that's how I was able to make this kind of result.

You difficultly made it to Code A. What are your goals for this season?

Defeating my Ro48 opponent and remaining in Code A is my goal. I am a little worried because I've never played at the GOMtv studio before but I do want to win my first match no matter what.

There's not much time left before Code A begins. How do plan on preparing for it?

Since it will be first ever televised match, I plan on forgoing sleep so that I can prepare extensively.

Anything else you would like to say?

Coach Ryu Won focuses a lot on the Terran players. I really want to thank him for that. I also want to thank our manager for controlling our mentality factors and our coach for always taking care of the players. My parents were really worried about me for these past few years but I think they can finally relax now (laughs). I also want to thank GanZi hyung, SuperNova, hyung, and Mvp hyung for all their help even if they don't do it often. Lastly, all our Terran teammates got eliminated so I hope they remain strong.

NSH_Brave



Source: This Is Game

This is your first ever Code A appearance. You must be feeling something different than the other players?

I feel really glad. I was so nervous that I couldn't even speak properly.

How did you prepare for the preliminaries?

I practiced with my teammates and I also laddered frequently.

What kind of thoughts did you get after seeing your group?

I was worried about facing dreamertt but he got eliminated early so I figured I would be able to make it.

HoeJJa managed to take a game off of you.

I was at a situation where I would have advanced with one more win so I got too excited and just played out a regular build order rather than the one that I had prepare so I ended up losing.

You faced two Zerg today.

PvZs are difficult so I opted to go for immortal all ins in order to ensure my victories.

What are your goals for this season?

My first goal is securing my spot for Code A after winning the Ro48. I know that there will be a lot of strong players but no one knows what's going to happen until it happens.

If there was a player that could potentially get in your way?

I have a better win ratio in my PvTs than I do for PvZs but I can't help but think that Mvp or TaeJa will be the most difficult.

Anything else you would like to say?

I want to thank my teammates, Brain, Zero (StarTale), Balloon, and 권혁재 for helping me with practice. I hope Harrier hyung remains strong since he got eliminated today.