For the series in a row, CJ Entus scored a thrilling 4-3 victory to advance further in the Proleague Round 3 playoffs. EffOrt and Bbyong came together and provided two wins a piece for their team, enough to vanquish KT Rolster and book CJ Entus versus SK Telecom T1 in the Round 3 finals.
Things looked grim for CJ Entus when ace player herO fell to KT's Flash on the very first map. However, team captain EffOrt came through with even more heroics after his Friday night ace match win against Jin Air, defeating both Flash and TY to give CJ a fighting chance. Bbyong, who had been conspicuously benched in the match against Jin Air, then continued to finish off the rest of the KT Roster to clinch the 4-3 victory over CJ Entus.
The series started off with a highly anticipated duel between Flash and herO. Contrary to the hype, the match seemed to be headed toward a highly anticlimactic ending as herO's two-base colossus timing dealt a significant blow to Flash' economy. However, herO's attempt to move into Flash's main to finish the game for good turned out be severely ill-advised, costing him his entire army and putting Flash right back in the game. Given an opportunity to end the game with an SCV-pull timing, Flash made no mistake and forced the GG from herO.
Not surprisingly, Hush was sent out to halt Flash on Maze, having been deployed less than 24 hours earlier against Jin Air as a PvT sniper on the same map. Unfortunately for CJ Entus, Hush was unable to repeat his winning performance against Cure from the Jin Air series, with Flash having little trouble holding off Hush's oracle harassment before using another SCV-pull timing to crush the CJ Protoss.
Down 0-2 and Flash still sitting in the booth, CJ Entus left it to team captain EffOrt to reclaim a foothold in the series. For the second consecutive day, EffOrt was up to the task of rescuing his team, holding off Flash's early hellion-banshee harass with ease before finishing him off with a swarm of zerglings and banelings. With Flash down, KT Rolster decided to send TY out to face EffOrt next, but it proved to be a questionable decision. Although TY managed to come closer to defeating EffOrt than Flash, he still ended up being the third straight victim in EffOrt's series of clinical ZvT demonstrations.
With the score tied 2-2, KT began to bring out the members of their Protoss line. Stats came out first and put KT back up 3-2, showing that a revived EffOrt still might have to work on his ZvP. An extended game on Outboxer saw both players amass the late game armies of their choice, but EffOrt's corruptors and swarm hosts simply melted before Stats' archons, colossi, and void rays.
The weight of being the final ace then fell upon Bbyong's shoulders. Having quietly emerged in Rounds 2 and 3 as one of Proleague's best Terrans, Bbyong stepped up his game to yet another level to match the occasion. He dispensed with Stats in style, using a slightly unorthodox SCV-pull timing that included ravens and ghosts to crush his opponent's phoenix-colossus combination.
Reigning Code S champion Zest was sent out to save the day for KT Rolster, but even he could not stand in Bbyong's way. An early drop attack with hellions and marines dealt a crippling blow to Zest's economy, leaving him scrambling to catch up. Bbyong knew exactly how to finish off his hobbled his opponent, and he executed a powerful SCV-pull timing that Zest had no chance of stopping. Collecting the final GG from Zest, Bbyong clinched CJ's 4-3 victory and earned his team its first round finals appearance of the season.
The Proleague Round 3 finals will be played on Tuesday, May 20 9:30am GMT (GMT+00:00).
On May 19 2014 07:34 sparklyresidue wrote: Can they stop the steamroller that is Soulkey? Parting? Rain? Classic? I'm going with SKT on this one, but damn it would feel to be a CJ Gangsta.
no good terrans for EffOrt to slay. SKT has it easy
With only one superstar on CJ's roster, and him going a paltry 1-2 so far, this has turned into the mother of all cinderella stories. All that remains is to defeat the wicked stepmother, I mean Apollo Creed, I mean SKT. Which is absolutely, without a doubt, impossible...... right?
Speaking of Effort being the captain of his team, is there any information out there on what being a team captain in SC is like? I was looking over the rosters and, frankly, fascinated by some of the choices of captains. Stork for Galaxy, Swagger for MVP, Fantasy for SKT?! Terminator for Jin Air. MKP, MVP, and I'm guessing Stork and Fantasy all have to do with seniority/respect, whereas Zest was chosen at least in part for his accomplishments, but Swagger and Terminator, what in the heck?! But there's a total dearth of information on the topic, there isn't even a 'team captain' article on Liquipedia just to get a list of them. I'm hoping someone has come across a good interview on the topic and will point me in its direction...
I think there's two ways to look at the CJ situation
1) herO is playing poorly, and they can't go far without herO playing well.
2) Despite herO playing somewhat poorly, they've still managed to pull out these wins so far. If herO starts playing like you expect him to, AND the rest of the roster keeps playing above expectations like this, then CJ have a really good chance.
Honestly I'm leaning toward an SKT victory. EffOrt has played a huge part in CJ's run with his ZvT, but it's dubious as to if SKT will even play a Terran at all. Unless someone comes out of nowhere as an incredible vsZ player, CJ is going to be hard pressed to win. With herO being CJ's #1 Zerg killer atm, soooo much hinges on him here.
On May 19 2014 08:21 pure.Wasted wrote: With only one superstar on CJ's roster, and him going a paltry 1-2 so far, this has turned into the mother of all cinderella stories. All that remains is to defeat the wicked stepmother, I mean Apollo Creed, I mean SKT. Which is absolutely, without a doubt, impossible...... right?
Speaking of Effort being the captain of his team, is there any information out there on what being a team captain in SC is like? I was looking over the rosters and, frankly, fascinated by some of the choices of captains. Stork for Galaxy, Swagger for MVP, Fantasy for SKT?! Terminator for Jin Air. MKP, MVP, and I'm guessing Stork and Fantasy all have to do with seniority/respect, whereas Zest was chosen at least in part for his accomplishments, but Swagger and Terminator, what in the heck?! But there's a total dearth of information on the topic, there isn't even a 'team captain' article on Liquipedia just to get a list of them. I'm hoping someone has come across a good interview on the topic and will point me in its direction...
herO is 2-2 now, but you're right about it being a Cinderella story
Bummed KT sent TY to the slaughter but it was a GG regardless. Stats v Bbyong was close too :'(. One first place and two 3rds... not bad KT. Stay consistent and get your way to the season playoffs!
Edit: TY not TT. Even if watching us lose made me T_T
On May 19 2014 07:40 stuchiu wrote: CJ has no good answer for soo.
What if SKT's coach doesn't field SoO ? And herO on a good day could do the job, maybe Gumiho with some bonjwa skills back from his old good days.
Poor Soo. Gets into 2 consecutive GSL Finals and past his ro32 group and still cant ensure a spot on the PL Finals against a team that has bad vZ matchups.
On May 19 2014 08:35 Waxangel wrote: I think there's two ways to look at the CJ situation
1) herO is playing poorly, and they can't go far without herO playing well.
2) Despite herO playing somewhat poorly, they've still managed to pull out these wins so far. If herO starts playing like you expect him to, AND the rest of the roster keeps playing above expectations like this, then CJ have a really good chance.
Honestly I'm leaning toward an SKT victory. EffOrt has played a huge part in CJ's run with his ZvT, but it's dubious as to if SKT will even play a Terran at all. Unless someone comes out of nowhere as an incredible vsZ player, CJ is going to be hard pressed to win. With herO being CJ's #1 Zerg killer atm, soooo much hinges on him here.
On May 19 2014 08:35 Waxangel wrote: I think there's two ways to look at the CJ situation
1) herO is playing poorly, and they can't go far without herO playing well.
2) Despite herO playing somewhat poorly, they've still managed to pull out these wins so far. If herO starts playing like you expect him to, AND the rest of the roster keeps playing above expectations like this, then CJ have a really good chance.
Honestly I'm leaning toward an SKT victory. EffOrt has played a huge part in CJ's run with his ZvT, but it's dubious as to if SKT will even play a Terran at all. Unless someone comes out of nowhere as an incredible vsZ player, CJ is going to be hard pressed to win. With herO being CJ's #1 Zerg killer atm, soooo much hinges on him here.
Actually, Bbyong has a pretty good record against Zergs too, although it has been with a lot of late game mech. CJ should be more worried about the Protoss line-up. Bbyong, based on his playstyle, is not into the late TvP and utilizes a lot of timing attacks. herO's PvP is all right, but it isn't consistent.
On May 19 2014 08:21 pure.Wasted wrote: Speaking of Effort being the captain of his team, is there any information out there on what being a team captain in SC is like? I was looking over the rosters and, frankly, fascinated by some of the choices of captains. Stork for Galaxy, Swagger for MVP, Fantasy for SKT?! Terminator for Jin Air. MKP, MVP, and I'm guessing Stork and Fantasy all have to do with seniority/respect, whereas Zest was chosen at least in part for his accomplishments, but Swagger and Terminator, what in the heck?! But there's a total dearth of information on the topic, there isn't even a 'team captain' article on Liquipedia just to get a list of them. I'm hoping someone has come across a good interview on the topic and will point me in its direction...
But Swagger IS the most senior player in MVP. Terminator, I have no idea.
On May 19 2014 08:21 pure.Wasted wrote: Speaking of Effort being the captain of his team, is there any information out there on what being a team captain in SC is like? I was looking over the rosters and, frankly, fascinated by some of the choices of captains. Stork for Galaxy, Swagger for MVP, Fantasy for SKT?! Terminator for Jin Air. MKP, MVP, and I'm guessing Stork and Fantasy all have to do with seniority/respect, whereas Zest was chosen at least in part for his accomplishments, but Swagger and Terminator, what in the heck?! But there's a total dearth of information on the topic, there isn't even a 'team captain' article on Liquipedia just to get a list of them. I'm hoping someone has come across a good interview on the topic and will point me in its direction...
But Swagger IS the most senior player in MVP. Terminator, I have no idea.
Pretty sure the oldest player on the team becomes captain
Fun Fact. So far the Proleague Round 2nd finisher never won the play-offs. It was always the 3rd or 4th place finished who made it into the play-off finals, and they always lost. Therefore, CJ should lose.
On May 19 2014 08:21 pure.Wasted wrote: Speaking of Effort being the captain of his team, is there any information out there on what being a team captain in SC is like? I was looking over the rosters and, frankly, fascinated by some of the choices of captains. Stork for Galaxy, Swagger for MVP, Fantasy for SKT?! Terminator for Jin Air. MKP, MVP, and I'm guessing Stork and Fantasy all have to do with seniority/respect, whereas Zest was chosen at least in part for his accomplishments, but Swagger and Terminator, what in the heck?! But there's a total dearth of information on the topic, there isn't even a 'team captain' article on Liquipedia just to get a list of them. I'm hoping someone has come across a good interview on the topic and will point me in its direction...
But Swagger IS the most senior player in MVP. Terminator, I have no idea.
Pretty sure the oldest player on the team becomes captain
Swagger's also a player-coach, at least he was when he joined; plus for a while all commentators could talk about was how everyone on MVP looked up to Swagger.
Terminator might be the old man on Jin Air, or at least the most senior guy still there since when they were Team 8 anyways.
Really happy for CJ, coach Park, Bbyong, but especially for EffOrt. As a former BW champion and ace player, I never doubted him in SC2, and though his name meaning I knew he would step up to be important for the team again. Throughout his rough slump I was concerned for his future, but this 3 wins against 3 final bosses will help him a lot to recover and gain confidence again.
I don't know if he will be able to help in the finals against a likely Terran-less SKT1, but it doesn't matter if he doesn't play this time, he has done enough. I think Bbyong is the key for CJ, and I worry for herO PvP although I really think he isn't the underdog against any of the SKT1 Protosses. I don't trust Hydra at all, so I think Gumiho could be the wildcard this time.
Effort, herO and Bbyong will go down 0-3 to Soulkey.
Enter Gumibear, the hulking beast who has lay dormant throughout his hibernation during the regular season.
Awoken by the thundering chants of the Team League Finals, his rage will be unending - and he will quench his thirst with the blood of Soulkey, PartinG, Rain and soO.
On May 19 2014 08:21 pure.Wasted wrote: With only one superstar on CJ's roster, and him going a paltry 1-2 so far, this has turned into the mother of all cinderella stories. All that remains is to defeat the wicked stepmother, I mean Apollo Creed, I mean SKT. Which is absolutely, without a doubt, impossible...... right?
Speaking of Effort being the captain of his team, is there any information out there on what being a team captain in SC is like? I was looking over the rosters and, frankly, fascinated by some of the choices of captains. Stork for Galaxy, Swagger for MVP, Fantasy for SKT?! Terminator for Jin Air. MKP, MVP, and I'm guessing Stork and Fantasy all have to do with seniority/respect, whereas Zest was chosen at least in part for his accomplishments, but Swagger and Terminator, what in the heck?! But there's a total dearth of information on the topic, there isn't even a 'team captain' article on Liquipedia just to get a list of them. I'm hoping someone has come across a good interview on the topic and will point me in its direction...
Coach Swagger. Don't a bunch of players say he's like one of the best practice partners?
Bbyong is the new superstar of CJ , I can't believe you how you guys can still underestimate this guy after his stellar performances through the last 2 rounds and even yesterday! This guy is a monster.
I still love herO very much, but at the moment bbyong is the god of CJ
On May 19 2014 18:02 DinoToss wrote: Captain position was never really described afaik. I think it's just a spotlight position saying to all snot-rookies to listen to that guy.
On May 19 2014 18:02 DinoToss wrote: Captain position was never really described afaik. I think it's just a spotlight position saying to all snot-rookies to listen to that guy.
EPT
EffOrt and 
Bbyong came together and provided two wins a piece for their team, enough to vanquish KT Rolster and book CJ Entus versus SK Telecom T1 in the Round 3 finals.
herO fell to KT's Flash on the very first map. However, team captain EffOrt came through with even more heroics after his Friday night ace match win against Jin Air, defeating both Flash and TY to give CJ a fighting chance. Bbyong, who had been conspicuously benched in the match against Jin Air, then continued to finish off the rest of the KT Roster to clinch the 4-3 victory over CJ Entus.![[image loading]](http://www.teamliquid.net/staff/Waxangel/proleague/2014/r3playoff3.png)
![[image loading]](http://www.teamliquid.net/staff/HawaiianPig/SPL/SPLstaricon.png)
![[image loading]](http://img1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20130325185940/simpsons/images/3/3c/Malk.jpg)
