EPT
Writer: XXTN
Graphics: Meru
Editor: lichter
The WCS America Ro8 concluded with four Koreans,
HyuN, 
Heart, Bomber, and Polt advancing to the semifinals. With Scarlett, Pigbaby, and HerO falling out, the top 16 for Blizzcon is now set in stone. Now the four semifinalists head into Championship Sunday to finalize the seeding order for the WCS Global Finals. Teamliquid got the chance to sit down with them to briefly discuss their thoughts on today's matchups as well as plans for the future.
HyuN
Hyun, how are you feeling about tomorrow’s match against Heart?
I didn’t practice all that much against Terran because my Ro8 opponent was HuK so I was mainly focusing on Protoss. Now looking at the rest of the field, there are three Terrans left so it’s going to be a tough battle.
In your games, you tend to stick to lair tech units for a really long time. Do you find SH/Broodlords to be ineffective?
In any matchup, if it appears the game will pan out longer, then I would transition into Hive tech and higher tier units. But in ZvP, I don’t find Hive-tech units to be all that useful, so I like to finish the game with lair tech.
What is your current strongest matchup?
It depends on the metagame and maps, but I am most confident in ZvP right now.
If you could choose to play any of the top 16 players going to Blizzcon, who would it be?
I haven’t really thought about it too much. I would be happy to play whoever I draw.
Heart
You’re doing really great right now, what are your plans for next year depending on where you end up?
It really depends on how Blizzard plans to set up their system next year. There is no solid plan right now, but my goal is to produce better results no matter where I end up.
Is Terran OP right now?
We’ll find out at Blizzcon.
Proleague mentioned they want to add more foreign teams. Axiom has participated in GSTL before so is there a chance we could see you guys in Proleague next year?
You should ask John “Totalbiscuit”
What is your favorite American food?
Shake Shack burgers
Bomber
How do you feel about going up against Polt in the semifinals?
Even before coming into the Ro8, I had a feeling that I would eventually play Polt and I don’t want to play against him again. Enough is enough, I already beat him twice!
Is Terran OP right now?
No, it’s just because the NA Terrans are dominating.
If you could choose to play any of the top 16 players going to Blizzcon, who would it be?
Jaedong and jjakji because I can’t recall the last time I lost to Jaedong and TvT is my favorite matchup.
What are the pros/cons of being on a Korean pro team and having personal sponsors?
Being on a Korean team forces you to practice a lot and gives you the advantage of having a set schedule and being a part of a set system. When you have a personal sponsorship, you have to be dedicated and force yourself to work hard and maintain your form throughout the season. This can be very difficult. However, the experience varies from person to person so I can’t say which is better.
What is your favorite American food?
I don’t like American food.
Lastly, what are your plans for military service?
I am playing at least one year so don’t you worry!
Polt
How do you feel about going up against Bomber in the semifinals?
Knowing how WCS America is set up, certain people always advance so you meet the same guys over and over again. Meeting Bomber so early on… I’m not feeling so great about that.
Is Terran OP right now?
No way, I don’t think Terran is strong at all.
If you could choose to play any of the top 16 players going to Blizzcon, who would it be?
Jaedong because then it would mean I would be going to Blizzcon as the #1 seed.
What are the pros/cons of being on a Korean pro team and having personal sponsors?
It’s fun to be in a team house and to live with teammates. You are always surrounded by people and you can do more than just play games. But, I really don’t like the set schedule because I need a break when I need a break.
What is your favorite American food?
Breakfast tacos [Texas thing]
Lastly, what are your plans for military service?
I have no idea when I am doing military service, but I know I can stay for at least one more year. I’ll find out more at the end of next year.
