Group B:
So We Meet Again
by banjoetheredskin
During 2014 GSL Season 2, one of the most catastrophic seasons for fan favorites, two upsets stood out in particular. In the Ro16, Group B ended in shocking fashion – in a group composed of Solar, Rain, Life, and ParalyzE, Rain and Life were both eliminated. Although neither of them played poorly, they performed below the standard to which they are typically held. Now Rain is back in the Ro16, this time with the advantage of having been able to pick his first group member. Unsurprisingly he chose EffOrt, known for his statistically horrendous ZvP. EffOrt, perhaps unexpectedly to some, picked the rising Samsung star Solar. Whether EffOrt is confident in the mirror matchup or has some master plan, it might not be a coincidence that he selected the man who schooled Rain in last season's Ro16. To round out the group, Solar chose sOs. This was yet another rematch as EffOrt and sOs were just in the Ro32 together. Despite his documented struggles in ZvP, he shocked
The priority of first pick was determined by WCS points, granting SKT T1

As for the mirror matchup, Rain has looked even more superb than in his PvZ. He is 13-4 since May, only dropping two maps to Stork, one to Zest, and one to sOs. Rain displayed outstanding decision-making and map-tailored builds in the Proleague playoffs, beating Hush, herO, and Zest. He is absolutely terrifying in the matchup, rarely faltering with even somewhat risky expansion builds. His primary success has been through Proleague, and one of the reasons is because he plans out builds so well for each map. His games against Zest provide excellent examples of his preparation. Rain's builds essentially forced Zest down one tech path or into one decision while he was already countering it with his own next decision. Subsequently, Rain capitalized on his advantages with powerful macro and closed out the games well before either player could max out. One could make a strong case that Rain has the best PvP in the world right now, and few would argue. An possibly exploitable aspect of his play, however, is that he often rushes tech or makes aggressive tech switches. The extent to which his opponents can manipulate this tendency is questionable, though, due to the nature of PvP and the heavy influence maps can have on strategies and playstyles. If Rain were to advance it would be largely due to the top-notch PvZ that he has been exhibiting lately, relentlessly pestering his adversaries with phoenixes or zealots while crafting the ultimate army, and possibly due to his astute strategies in the mirror matchup.
Rain's pick was the ZvP-averse CJ

because Rain is on fire
The enigma of EffOrt does not stop at the ZvP matchup, as he could also face ZvZ tonight. His recent results indicate relative success: he won a macro game against Soulkey in the Proleague playoffs while exhibited both tenacious defense and sharp decision-making against Leenock in Code A. Yet on the year he is a mere 48% in ZvZ. Although he does seem to have improved in the last few weeks, it may not be enough to get past Solar. Similarly to ZvP, EffOrt is capable of opening early pool and macroing behind well-controlled attacks, so it should be no surprise if EffOrt relies on timings or early pools against Solar. But if his preceding performance is anything to respect, EffOrt can be expected to come out well-practiced and competitive with some of the best. Nevertheless, EffOrt could avoid the mirror entirely – just like in his Ro32 group – if he keeps playing well in ZvP, and his efforts[sic] could be rewarded with an appearance in the Ro8.
EffOrt's selection was

As for his ZvP, Solar claims it is his best matchup with good reason. In his last 50 games in the matchup, he is 40-10. Against the macro monster Rain, he demonstrated remarkable resilience to harassment and impeccable macro of his own. In his other tournaments such as IEM Shenzen, Proleague, and the Redbull Online qualifiers, he confirmed that the performance against Rain was no fluke. Just like his ZvZ, Solar's strength lies in a diverse set of playstyles and very smart reactions. He knows exactly how to respond to nearly everything protoss can throw at him, and he perseveres until he has the advantage in either economy or army composition. Just watch his series against the notoriously cheeky Jim. He is proficient at every stage of the game and there are few players in the world confident enough to take Solar on in his strongest matchup. No player is invincible though, and Solar does appear to have a slight weakness in judgement. He can make over-extensions and stay on tech for too long, allowing his opponents back into games that he should have closed out earlier. Solar has a fair amount to prove, as he'll certainly be looking to exceed his Ro8 run from last season, and the younger player could face some pressure and nervousness. Still, it is likely he will get to play ZvP the whole night so the group still plays heavily into Solar's favor.
Solar's pick ought not surprise given his stellar ZvP as of late. Jin Air

If there is one player in the world who can contest Rain's title for Best PvPer, it is probably sOs. A 67% winrate is absolutely no joke, and he has achieved it in his element. This year, the only Bo3 or greater series he has lost in the matchup were against Zest, Classic, Rain and now First; in fact, First and MC claimed sOs had the best PvP in Korea. Often opting for risky or uncommon strategies, sOs diversifies his play in PvP as much as anyone. His instinct for, and willingness to use, proxies has helped him dominate some of the best protosses, yet he has maintained a balance between aggressive builds and safe expands. He might not be known for his macro PvP dominance like Rain, but his early game can rival the best Rain has to offer. Despite his prowess in the matchup, sOs prematurely exited IEM Toronto at the hands of his admirer First. While sOs did not look bad First displayed better decision-making in their second series, even managing to come back from a disadvantageous position. Nevertheless, one Bo3 does not carry enough weight to suggest that sOs is not equally capable of putting on the clinic that First did. The prospect of a Rain vs The Moneybag Protoss match still promises to be the highest of high-level PvP series. Overall sOs' underlying strength is his spectrum of strategies. After what could be considered an embarrassment against EffOrt last round, don't expect him to be out-prepared this time around.
Overall Thoughts and Predictions
As much as I would love to cause another outrage by predicting EffOrt to make it out, this group feels much harder than the last one. Rain has looked really good and I'm sure he'll be well-practiced, securing at least second place. Beyond him I'd say it's pretty much a lock for Solar. His ZvP is looking fantastic and his ZvZ is very solid. Even then I'm inclined to believe that EffOrt picked Solar because he's feeling confident in the mirror, or at least in being able to study up on his games. I just don't believe in his ZvP anymore. He isn't very good at playing any other styles besides what he has already shown, and that shouldn't be too difficult to prepare for as his opponents. As for $O$, his showing at IEM was lackluster at best. Whether he was saving his better builds for this GSL group or he's not the innovator we once knew him as, I don't see much that makes me want to believe in him. Ultimately I have to believe that the ever-reliable Rain will advance. Solar does have a lot of games to study, but I think his ZvP is better than both protosses' and I'd give him the edge to take first.
Rain > EffOrt
Solar > sOs
Rain < Solar
EffOrt > sOs
EffOrt < Rain

