After the announcement of a unified WCS and the banishment of Koreans back to the motherland, few predicted that MMA would be one of the few still standing in the GSL. It’s been a fairy tale homecoming for the Acer Terran, back in the Code S semifinals for the first time since October 2011. After a stuttering start in the Ro32 he has moved flawlessly through the brackets, arriving in peak form with a 7-0 run over Dark, INnoVation and TY.
The semifinals present a different challenge in the acclaimed Protoss PartinG. Historically MMA has struggled against the defenders of Aiur, but recently his fortunes in the matchup have turned 180 degrees. In fact, it’s been his strongest matchup since the WCS Global Finals, where convincing victories over Classic and StarDust brought him to the cusp of a second Blizzcon title. However many of these encounters occurred off-stream, so it's not clear how well he's actually been playing. One thing's for sure though: to progress MMA will have to significantly improve from his earlier encounters in this GSL. Dear and Seed caused him significant trouble, and while he did scraped by against both, PartinG will be stiffer opposition.
If MMA wants inspiration, he can look back on his clashes with MC in Europe. Similar to the Boss Toss, PartinG focuses on overwhelming aggression and impeccable micro, not to meant mutual affectation for blink stalkers. As MMA alluded to after his demolishing of TY, one great benefit to a non-KeSPA team is the lack of commitments. With no Proleague and in-team training, all he has had to concern himself since the quarterfinals is this match.
MMA has demonstrated time and time again that he never backs down from a challenge. When the destructive implosion of SlayerS separated him from all that had brought him success, he didn't give in. When his form deserted him, wallowing in the twilight of Code A qualifiers, he soldiered on. When Life prevented him from placing from a glorious cap on his career at Blizzcon, retirement wasn't considered an option. MMA has one more year to make his presence felt; one more year to solidify his greatness in the annals of Starcraft 2. One final road to glory beckons.
Started at the Bottom, Almost at the Top
PartinG is one of just four players left in the GSL, and his tournament run still remains as unclear as ever. There’s no doubt that he is still a top player; his status as one has echoed through the GSL since his rise 3 years ago. But while the Yoe Flash Wolves Protoss has had a celebrated career decorated by four premier trophies, he has been unable to win GSL.
A career defined by exceptional play and results lacking a convincing victory could only begin in the exact same situation. After multiple unsuccessful attempts to make it to Code A, PartinG broke through the qualifiers and made the Code S quarterfinals in early 2012. He immediately followed it up with a top four finish in the next season, earning fans around the world with stunning PvT prowess and his charming demeanor. However, he was handily defeated in both seasons by the eventual champion. While he never left Code S, returning to the playoffs the next year, his numerous playoff runs were cut short by those who would be immortalized in history. His closest attempt, the GSL Global Championship, was denied—by only one map—by the greatest Protoss of 2014, Zest. PartinG has become the greatest of gateway players, one whose defeat predicted his opponent's success.
Despite frustrations in Korea, he has had a varied and modestly successful career abroad. He's won tournaments around the world and charmed fans in the process. However, these tournaments have neither tested him sufficiently against the best nor established him as one of the most successful players ever. While he has picked up multiple series against excellent players in each of his tournament wins as well as quite a few top placements, he can't claim to be the legend that he aspires to be with his cocky personality.
GSL is another opportunity for PartinG to prove his worth. PartinG must study MMA’s style to succeed at this stage, but it will be difficult to fully parse the style out. The Acer Terran doesn't SCV pull unless he’s confident, and he intelligently uses aggression as a supplement towards the late game, making him an extremely versatile opponent. If PartinG doesn't win here, those three excellent years will be a haunting reminder of what he still lacks.
This is a match where I wish they just sat down together and concluded that they are both too great to be eliminated and moved on together playing in archon mode.
On March 09 2015 06:06 opisska wrote: This is a match where I wish they just sat down together and concluded that they are both too great to be eliminated and moved on together playing in archon mode.
Would they play Terran or Protoss though? Or would they race switch every game?
MMA will definitely win this. His TvP is looking extremely strong lately. He seemed to be a little weak against Zerg but he won't have to deal with that until Finals (I am assuming Life stomps herO). This is the sickest GSL I have ever seen for a while.
MMA reminds me so much of somebody like Goku. A level headed, happy guy whose urge to be the best and face greater challenges never ceases to amaze me. Whatever the odds MMA stands and fights and brings his own stylistic nuances and tactical prowess to the table. His signature micro combined with years of experience that have made him a tactical genius with a killer instinct, click together at exactly the right time to turn the tide in his favor.
I became a fan of MMA primarily because of the fact that he was The Son of Boxer and I wanted the legacy of Boxer to be carried forward through MMA. Sadly that didnt happen the way I wanted to. But the inspiration MMA has turned out to be in the face of all adversities fills me with pride to be his fan since early 2011.
I was so sad that his Blizzcon run was being treated as a fluke because of his one sided loss to life. I was happy with him coming second but sad that he couldn't win the hearts and respect of all fans. However as far as respect is concerned, MMA has pretty much shut everybody else up already.
MMA defines himself with runs like these. A person that defies expectation, overcomes the odds no matter what. Thats who he is and thats who he will always be, in my eyes and everbody else's. A champion.
As much as I would love for a Parting victory and to see him finally make it to the finals, I can't quite help but to feel he'll choke again and lose to MMA. Should MMA beat Parting, I can see him winning it at the finals.
Do we count 2012 WCS Korea Nationals as equivalent of GSL? If so it's worth to bring up that Parting finished 3rd - slightly more impressive than just "top four finish". Also runner-up in 2012 Blizzard Cup which is kind of on par with Code S.
if this was PartinG before he move to Yoe, I dont see MMA has much chance, but Parting's current form is just too unstable and overly aggressive, while MMA is best at preparation and counter play.
On March 09 2015 08:43 xenoZhang wrote: my favorite Terran against favorite Toss...
if this was PartinG before he move to Yoe, I dont see MMA has much chance, but Parting's current form is just too unstable and overly aggressive, while MMA is best at preparation and counter play.
wish a good match and MMA prevails.
Unstable? Watch his games versus Maru in the Ro32 and Ro16 or look up his stats for 2015 PvT. Totally unstable, uh-huh.
I'm really excited to watch this. I feel if MMA can get past Parting then he will beat whoever wins vs Life and herO. I think we all agree that out of all possible finals, MMA vs Life is the most exciting one!
On March 09 2015 08:23 nimdil wrote: Do we count 2012 WCS Korea Nationals as equivalent of GSL? If so it's worth to bring up that Parting finished 3rd - slightly more impressive than just "top four finish". Also runner-up in 2012 Blizzard Cup which is kind of on par with Code S.
The 2012 WCS system had Regionals, Continentals and finals, with one title. So one might argue that winning essentially a qualifier is not a feat big enough to keep people reminded of it. I'd say the 2012 Blizzard Cup should definately be recognized as possibly his best finish.
Just checked the 2012 WCS Korea Finals bracket, top8 had 1 Zerg 7 Protoss. That might also skew the scale a little. He did go and place 2nd in the Asia finals, with the top8 occupied mostly by the same players as Korean finals. I don't think Parting is in any way underrated, he just has not hit the limelight solely by displaying skill, he used showmanship to make up the rest.
I'm behind MMA, I love Terran! GO GO GO!
sorry for multiple edits for those who try to keep up
Yeah...PartinG is going to piss some people off ><
Less ofc flashbacks of his 2012 season 2 semis resurface because MMA is so similar to Mvp. PartinG is so terrified by the horrid memories of what Mvp did to him he's unable to play.
On March 09 2015 07:45 ValM wrote: MMA reminds me so much of somebody like Goku. A level headed, happy guy whose urge to be the best and face greater challenges never ceases to amaze me. Whatever the odds MMA stands and fights and brings his own stylistic nuances and tactical prowess to the table. His signature micro combined with years of experience that have made him a tactical genius with a killer instinct, click together at exactly the right time to turn the tide in his favor.
I became a fan of MMA primarily because of the fact that he was The Son of Boxer and I wanted the legacy of Boxer to be carried forward through MMA. Sadly that didnt happen the way I wanted to. But the inspiration MMA has turned out to be in the face of all adversities fills me with pride to be his fan since early 2011.
I was so sad that his Blizzcon run was being treated as a fluke because of his one sided loss to life. I was happy with him coming second but sad that he couldn't win the hearts and respect of all fans. However as far as respect is concerned, MMA has pretty much shut everybody else up already.
MMA defines himself with runs like these. A person that defies expectation, overcomes the odds no matter what. Thats who he is and thats who he will always be, in my eyes and everbody else's. A champion.
Looks like MMA brings out quite the passionate fan/wannabe writer in me. :D
Based on momentum, I think MMA can pull it through. PartinG is very strong, but he does have a tendency to fall short in tournament playoffs... So, don't be surprised!
Wait, what!?!? Why in the world would parting beat MMA 4-2? MMA definitely looks the strongest and Parting barreeelly scraped by in the semifinals, winning mostly because of (what I think) were errors by his opponent.
On March 10 2015 05:01 Jampackedeon wrote: Wait, what!?!? Why in the world would parting beat MMA 4-2? MMA definitely looks the strongest and Parting barreeelly scraped by in the semifinals, winning mostly because of (what I think) were errors by his opponent.
MMA fighting!
Because PartinG does nasty things to Terrans. Even when they're not asleep.
On March 10 2015 05:01 Jampackedeon wrote: Wait, what!?!? Why in the world would parting beat MMA 4-2? MMA definitely looks the strongest and Parting barreeelly scraped by in the semifinals, winning mostly because of (what I think) were errors by his opponent.
MMA fighting!
To say that Parting's PvT is monstrous would probably be an understatement. Nothing against MMA or his ability to prepare well for a series, but taking on PartingvT in a Bo7 is a tall order.
On March 10 2015 05:01 Jampackedeon wrote: Wait, what!?!? Why in the world would parting beat MMA 4-2? MMA definitely looks the strongest and Parting barreeelly scraped by in the semifinals, winning mostly because of (what I think) were errors by his opponent.
MMA fighting!
To say that Parting's PvT is monstrous would probably be an understatement. Nothing against MMA or his ability to prepare well for a series, but taking on PartingvT in a Bo7 is a tall order.
PartinG's PvT is equally awesome and disgusting. Can't help rooting for MMA.
Heart says MMA, head says PartinG. For some reason, ever since MMA's GSL glory days ended, I've never considered him to be one of the scariest players in the world. He's been great lately, but I haven't felt the same sort of reverence towards him as with INnoVation, soO, Life, or TaeJa. PartinG has consistently been the better player in my brain.
On March 10 2015 05:40 Kitai wrote: Heart says MMA, head says PartinG. For some reason, ever since MMA's GSL glory days ended, I've never considered him to be one of the scariest players in the world. He's been great lately, but I haven't felt the same sort of reverence towards him as with INnoVation, soO, Life, or TaeJa. PartinG has consistently been the better player in my brain.
Everytime I read someone stating their opinion with Heart says I think Ax.Heart
On March 11 2015 08:18 Xrero wrote: If MMA doesn't die to blink stalkers, he will bury Parting.
PartinG's blink stalkers win fights no other blink stalkers would win. So, easier said than done. Also, PartinG has PvT builds MMA can't prepare for because not even Has, king of cheese, would dare dream of them.
On March 11 2015 08:25 Elentos wrote: PartinG has PvT builds MMA can't prepare for because not even Has, king of cheese, would dare dream of them.
It's actually taboo of them to be spoken about, how could you mention them here, in public of all places? The blood of thousands of Terran Marines and Marauders would be on your hands!
At Blizzcon, I couldn't fathom a way that MMA could beat Classic, and I'm gonna doubt him again: 4-1 PartinG.
EDIT: Actually, looking at ELO Rankings shows that PartinG's vT is the highest it's ever been which to me indicates that it will drop down at some point. So why not now? MMA 4 - 2 PartinG.
The fairytale ends for MMA, 4-2 Parting just as TL predicts. If Parting plays herO in the finals he has a good chance, if he gets Life, it will be rough.
EPT
MMA would be one of the few still standing in the GSL. It’s been a fairy tale homecoming for the Acer Terran, back in the Code S semifinals for the first time since October 2011. After a stuttering start in the Ro32 he has moved flawlessly through the brackets, arriving in peak form with a 7-0 run over 
Dark, 
Classic and 
