What had been anticipated as another close telecom battle became a show of strength by Stats: an all kill against SK Telecom T1 is not something we get to see every day. For Stats it has been the second time to achieve this feat though—funnily enough his last all kill of SKT was in Round 2 of the 2015 Season, making this a seemingly annual ritual. Stats’ dominance of course hid a lot of information from Jin Air about the other players on the team and what strategy might have been put in place by the coach, had the protoss lost early on.
Luckily for us we must not look all too far back to find a precedent for this match and see for ourselves, what might happen in the Round 2 final.
Before we take a look at these two teams in their current shapes and forms, let’s take a step back and get our eyes on the last all kill match between KT and Jin Air, which happened last round in the semifinal.
Back then, a PvP on Dusk Towers involving Stats also started us off. The SSL runner-up didn’t face Trap, however. It was sOs he met and beat in battle, with both opting for phoenix-archon-chargelot compositions. Stats had taken the macro advantage and added a mothership as well as blink stalkers to the equation, taking a decisive victory in the great battle at the end of the game.
Of course Maru then came out for Jin Air to take three wins. First he beat Stats in typical fashion, overrunning him with bio aggression while defending the protoss’ DT counter. A close and bloody duel against TY followed, but after trading blows the Jin Air terran had the better tank count and was able to force his opponents’ capitulation. Leenock was sent out by KT on Prion Terraces to end Maru’s streak, but the terran held out with his liberator-turtle strategy, defending everything Leenock threw at him, before countering and defeating the zerg.
It was Zest, who finally put an end to the terran on Lerilak Crest by flooding his base with DTs, while defending expertly at home. A clear victory against Trap followed, but when KT could already smell victory, Jin Air dropped the Rogue-bomb onto their hopes with the debut of his bane drop harass style.
What we can learn from this duel? Maru did most of the work for Jin Air, while Rogue once more took up his position as the ace-sniper. Zest took the same position for his team as Maru for Jin Air, getting the most kills and almost finishing the game. All of these things also count for this new duel we are getting now.
Back to the present: The duel at hand
Let’s start off by talking about Trap against Stats. They have not yet played each other in all of Legacy of the Void, but in HotS they traded wins quite evenly, Trap eventually getting the lead in overall score. If we look at their present PvP form however, Stats clearly looks like the favourite, winning his last five matches and having lots of momentum from Tuesday. For his opponent the picture doesn’t look as bright. His last PvP wins came against Super in Code S back in early March; since then, he's lost to Zest, herO and Hush. In 2016, the he sports a 7-10 record in the matchup, and his only wins have come against Coach Choya and the similarly protoss-phobic Super. Trap has played a very good season so far for his team, going 5-3 overall, but this success comes from the other match-ups. However, his 4-0 record this round has come against three strong terrans (Reality, TY, and Dream) and a zerg coach (horror), so if he gets past Stats, he might cause KT a lot of trouble should they save Zest for the ace match. With Stats in form though, KT look like they’ll get a good start.
But what comes after? It’s very possible this match plays out similar to what happened last time, and as fans and viewers of StarCraft that wouldn’t be too bad at all.
Comparing these two teams, one thing is patently obvious: Jin Air’s success can mostly be attributed to Maru. He’s the best scoring player, only lost two matches so far this season (Zest and soO in the Round 1 Playoffs) and thus leads the ranking. However, KT have three players in the Top 10, with Zest and Stats at ranks 2 and 3, and TY at 8. For Jin Air there is only Rogue up there besides Maru, ranking at number 10.
Trap has a solid record, but lacks severely in the match-up he’s about to play. sOs has been sub-par all season long, especially PvP being the weakness here as well. Cure is sporting an average record, and he's perhaps unfortunate that his strength in TvZ is somewhat mitigated by KT's lack of a star zerg, while TY's bound to exploit his weak TvT should he come out. All the other players have failed to make any impact whatsoever. Realistically Jin Air’s best assets are the strength of Maru and Rogue’s abilities to pull brilliant snipe builds out their magicians’ hat. To their credit, that was enough last time. But what if Maru is sniped early on? Will sOs take up the challenge and repeat his inspiring performance against KT last season? It’s possible, but his PvP being vulnerable as it is, Zest would be a huge favourite against him. Generally Jin Air seem to lack in the anti-protoss department, considering Maru being countered by Zest and Rogue probably being held back to snipe the KT ace.
Predictions
Jin Air might have gone into the finals first, but they’ll probably leave in second place once again. There’s no escape from this Kong status if Maru is picked off early.
Trap < Stats Maru > Stats Maru > TY Maru < Zest sOs < Zest Rogue < Zest
On May 20 2016 20:12 TeamLiquid ESPORTS wrote: His last PvP wins came against Super in Code S back in early March; since then, he's lost to Zest, herO and Hush.
As much as Aligulac wants it to be true, Trap didn't lose to Hush.
On May 20 2016 20:12 TeamLiquid ESPORTS wrote: His last PvP wins came against Super in Code S back in early March; since then, he's lost to Zest, herO and Hush.
As much as Aligulac wants it to be true, Trap didn't lose to Hush.
oops. Well that's awkward. Still, doesn't change much—Hush has been awful
On May 20 2016 20:12 TeamLiquid ESPORTS wrote: His last PvP wins came against Super in Code S back in early March; since then, he's lost to Zest, herO and Hush.
As much as Aligulac wants it to be true, Trap didn't lose to Hush.
oops. Well that's awkward. Still, doesn't change much—Hush has been awful
He has been quite terrible, yeah.
Do you think JA sent out Trap specifically because KT starts every playoff match with Stats, or did they expect TY?
On May 20 2016 20:12 TeamLiquid ESPORTS wrote: His last PvP wins came against Super in Code S back in early March; since then, he's lost to Zest, herO and Hush.
As much as Aligulac wants it to be true, Trap didn't lose to Hush.
oops. Well that's awkward. Still, doesn't change much—Hush has been awful
He has been quite terrible, yeah.
Do you think JA sent out Trap specifically because KT starts every playoff match with Stats, or did they expect TY?
On May 20 2016 20:12 TeamLiquid ESPORTS wrote: His last PvP wins came against Super in Code S back in early March; since then, he's lost to Zest, herO and Hush.
As much as Aligulac wants it to be true, Trap didn't lose to Hush.
oops. Well that's awkward. Still, doesn't change much—Hush has been awful
He has been quite terrible, yeah.
Do you think JA sent out Trap specifically because KT starts every playoff match with Stats, or did they expect TY?
Honestly, I think it's because they have plans for the other 3 players. Rogue to snipe protoss (hopefully Zest, but might be needed for Stats) sOs will probably be played again, although I'd have preferred sending him first and gambling on setting up Trap vs TY Maru to ace / snipe TY or Zest
Why do you think KT would send out TY before Zest if against Maru? I would favour Maru over TY, but Zest over Maru. Zest's weakness is zerg and that is TY's strength, besides terran. My prediction; Stats > Trap Stats < Maru Zest > Maru Zest < Rogue TY > Rogue TY > sOs
On May 20 2016 21:53 Melliflue wrote: Why do you think KT would send out TY before Zest if against Maru? I would favour Maru over TY, but Zest over Maru. Zest's weakness is zerg and that is TY's strength, besides terran. My prediction; Stats > Trap Stats < Maru Zest > Maru Zest < Rogue TY > Rogue TY > sOs
It's because I think they don't want to send Zest as the second player. Jin Air have shown that they have no problem sending Maru out early however. So I think KT will try someone else before committing Zest.
On May 20 2016 20:12 TeamLiquid ESPORTS wrote: His last PvP wins came against Super in Code S back in early March; since then, he's lost to Zest, herO and Hush.
As much as Aligulac wants it to be true, Trap didn't lose to Hush.
oops. Well that's awkward. Still, doesn't change much—Hush has been awful
He has been quite terrible, yeah.
Do you think JA sent out Trap specifically because KT starts every playoff match with Stats, or did they expect TY?
Honestly, I think it's because they have plans for the other 3 players. Rogue to snipe protoss
Do you think it's gonna work, though? I'm pretty sure that game against Zest with the bane drops was the only ZvP Rogue won in Proleague this year. All of his losses this season are ZvP. Feels pretty risky to put him on Protoss snipe duty. I guess Zest has looked weakish against Zerg, but at least against Stats I wouldn't send out Rogue.
On May 20 2016 20:12 TeamLiquid ESPORTS wrote: His last PvP wins came against Super in Code S back in early March; since then, he's lost to Zest, herO and Hush.
As much as Aligulac wants it to be true, Trap didn't lose to Hush.
oops. Well that's awkward. Still, doesn't change much—Hush has been awful
He has been quite terrible, yeah.
Do you think JA sent out Trap specifically because KT starts every playoff match with Stats, or did they expect TY?
Honestly, I think it's because they have plans for the other 3 players. Rogue to snipe protoss
Do you think it's gonna work, though? I'm pretty sure that game against Zest with the bane drops was the only ZvP Rogue won in Proleague this year. All of his losses this season are ZvP. Feels pretty risky to put him on Protoss snipe duty. I guess Zest has looked weakish against Zerg, but at least against Stats I wouldn't send out Rogue.
It's never wise to write off Maru, but I'd back Zest's PvT against anyone in the world right now; PvP as well probably. PvZ is the only slight weakness that we've seen, and even that's not really been that definitive.
Rogue is still the best shot at beating Zest; personally, I'd be tempted to drop sOs and gamble on Cure against Stats
On May 20 2016 20:12 TeamLiquid ESPORTS wrote: His last PvP wins came against Super in Code S back in early March; since then, he's lost to Zest, herO and Hush.
As much as Aligulac wants it to be true, Trap didn't lose to Hush.
oops. Well that's awkward. Still, doesn't change much—Hush has been awful
He has been quite terrible, yeah.
Do you think JA sent out Trap specifically because KT starts every playoff match with Stats, or did they expect TY?
Honestly, I think it's because they have plans for the other 3 players. Rogue to snipe protoss
Do you think it's gonna work, though? I'm pretty sure that game against Zest with the bane drops was the only ZvP Rogue won in Proleague this year. All of his losses this season are ZvP. Feels pretty risky to put him on Protoss snipe duty. I guess Zest has looked weakish against Zerg, but at least against Stats I wouldn't send out Rogue.
It's never wise to write off Maru, but I'd back Zest's PvT against anyone in the world right now; PvP as well probably. PvZ is the only slight weakness that we've seen, and even that's not really been that definitive.
Rogue is still the best shot at beating Zest; personally, I'd be tempted to drop sOs and gamble on Cure against Stats
While I agree Zest's PvT can beat anyone's TvP, I think Maru can offer much stiffer competition than TY did in the GSL finals. Maru has an uncanny ability to fail at aggression but keep the tempo in his favor, which TY was never able to do with his aggressive builds. Still, predicting a good fight from both teams regardless of who wins.
It will be a great match. I think, Maru will beat anyone from KT except Zest. Zest will beat Maru. So it will depend, how many shots we will get against Zest. Hopefully, there will be two shots, one for Rogue, the second one for sOs, and one of them succeeds.
KT got this. The only thing that has to happen is that Zest actually wins against Maru. Even if he gets sniped after that Jin Air has no one to take out TY. I'm hoping for a Maru all-kill (even as a KT fan it would be awesome to see Protoss get rekt) but I'm also fine with a KT win (as long as Maru still puts on a good fight)
On May 20 2016 21:37 Kaizor wrote: People seem to forget that zest spanked maru's behind in code A
This is completely irrelevant, this happened at the beginning at LotV before Maru had figured out the game. Since then, they have only played the one game in the Round 1 Playoffs, which was fairly close. And, with the weakness Zest has been showing in SPL recently, I would have to slightly favor Maru in a head to head bo1.
On May 20 2016 20:12 TeamLiquid ESPORTS wrote: His last PvP wins came against Super in Code S back in early March; since then, he's lost to Zest, herO and Hush.
As much as Aligulac wants it to be true, Trap didn't lose to Hush.
Thanks for pointing it out. sometimes we mess up. if you ever notice any other mistakes just PM me and I'll fix it.
On May 20 2016 21:37 Kaizor wrote: People seem to forget that zest spanked maru's behind in code A
This is completely irrelevant, this happened at the beginning at LotV before Maru had figured out the game.
Imo hat's not true. Maru had the game figured out well enough. He just got unlucky he had to play against Zest. He played stupidly well for someone who got 3-0'd in Code A. I'm 99.9% certain he got matched against the only player in GSL who could have 3-0'd him back then.
Not gonna be able to watch it tomorrow as I'm flying home from holiday but wish I could, think it will be a great one. KT to end the losing streak of all kill matches vs JAGW
All this recent babble about Maru being sniped by a Zerg or outplayed by Stats/TY is unlikely, and frequently laughable. Zest is the only clear counter, and he's essentially a 50/50 tossup at that.
Maru is currently in the midst of one of the greatest stretches of domination in SC2 history. And everyone continues to ignore giving him proper due, while preferring to pay homage to Zest, Dark, TY, and Stats.
The Marine Prince is well on his way to going down as the best Terran ever, and quite possible the GOAT in SC2 (Zest being the other likely candidate). You'll all be forced to recognize him then.
As I posted earlier today on the PL R2 Playoff Finals Starters thread,
'Maru has won 22 of his last 24 games (91.67%). And is 12/12 in the mirror matchup. He's 16-0 in his most recent 10 matches. Including wins over Stats, Gumiho, Dark, and soO. He just went 12-0 combined in qualifying for both upcoming Starleagues.
Maru is leading the only ladder rank that matters, PL Winners Rankings at an unfathomable 11-0 (after two rounds). 15-2 overall (6-0 vT) when including round playoffs. And last time in R1 playoffs silver challenger match, took out Stats, TY, and Leenock in order, before finally being stopped by Zest.'
On May 21 2016 12:39 Orr wrote: JAGW going to prove they are best.
All this recent babble about Maru being sniped by a Zerg or outplayed by Stats/TY is unlikely, and frequently laughable. Zest is the only clear counter, and he's essentially a 50/50 tossup at that.
Maru is currently in the midst of one of the greatest stretches of domination in SC2 history. And everyone continues to ignore giving him proper due, while preferring to pay homage to Zest, Dark, TY, and Stats.
The Marine Prince is well on his way to going down as the best Terran ever, and quite possible the GOAT in SC2 (Zest being the other likely candidate). You'll all be forced to recognize him then.
As I posted earlier today on the PL R2 Playoff Finals Starters thread,
'Maru has won 22 of his last 24 games (91.67%). And is 12/12 in the mirror matchup. He's 16-0 in his most recent 10 matches. Including wins over Stats, Gumiho, Dark, and soO. He just went 12-0 combined in qualifying for both upcoming Starleagues.
Maru is leading the only ladder rank that matters, PL Winners Rankings at an unfathomable 11-0 (after two rounds). 15-2 overall (6-0 vT) when including round playoffs. And last time in R1 playoffs silver challenger match, took out Stats, TY, and Leenock in order, before finally being stopped by Zest.'
On May 21 2016 12:39 Orr wrote: JAGW going to prove they are best.
All this recent babble about Maru being sniped by a Zerg or outplayed by Stats/TY is unlikely, and frequently laughable. Zest is the only clear counter, and he's essentially a 50/50 tossup at that.
Maru is currently in the midst of one of the greatest stretches of domination in SC2 history. And everyone continues to ignore giving him proper due, while preferring to pay homage to Zest, Dark, TY, and Stats.
The Marine Prince is well on his way to going down as the best Terran ever, and quite possible the GOAT in SC2 (Zest being the other likely candidate). You'll all be forced to recognize him then.
As I posted earlier today on the PL R2 Playoff Finals Starters thread,
'Maru has won 22 of his last 24 games (91.67%). And is 12/12 in the mirror matchup. He's 16-0 in his most recent 10 matches. Including wins over Stats, Gumiho, Dark, and soO. He just went 12-0 combined in qualifying for both upcoming Starleagues.
Maru is leading the only ladder rank that matters, PL Winners Rankings at an unfathomable 11-0 (after two rounds). 15-2 overall (6-0 vT) when including round playoffs. And last time in R1 playoffs silver challenger match, took out Stats, TY, and Leenock in order, before finally being stopped by Zest.'
The Marine Prince is well on his way to going down as the best Terran ever, and quite possible the GOAT in SC2 (Zest being the other likely candidate). You'll all be forced to recognize him then.
lol maru is nowhere close to being the goat. He is quite a bit behind Zest in terms of achievements let alone Mvp and Life.
i like how KT fanboys loled about Orr's post. Cause today sOs and Maru showed those KT nerd who dominates. GLS winner got shot down so hard, GLS runner-up and SSL runner-up were just totally outplayed by Evil Genius himself.
Green Wings are flying high today and from now on always will be)
On May 21 2016 23:05 Traitorwtf wrote: i like how KT fanboys loled about Orr's post. Cause today sOs and Maru showed those KT nerd who dominates. GLS winner got shot down so hard, GLS runner-up and SSL runner-up were just totally outplayed by Evil Genius himself.
Green Wings are flying high today and from now on always will be)
They laughed because Orr said Maru is close to becoming the greatest of all time. Which he really isn't. He also said people don't recognize how good he is right now. Which is ridiculous. TL's community has him at #2 in their power rank. Which is pretty good for someone who's not done a lot outside of Proleague.
if you start to count titles, then yes, Maru nowhere near... but if you look at his recent results he is now clearly best or second best player in the world after Zest (who plays a little OP race atm). I wish Maru won't have wrist problems, cause it's the main reason why he loses his form sometimes
On May 21 2016 23:16 Silvana wrote: Maybe Orr was simply stating his wishes and not making a prediction or calling facts?
"'Maru has won 22 of his last 24 games (91.67%). And is 12/12 in the mirror matchup. He's 16-0 in his most recent 10 matches. Including wins over Stats, Gumiho, Dark, and soO. He just went 12-0 combined in qualifying for both upcoming Starleagues.
Maru is leading the only ladder rank that matters, PL Winners Rankings at an unfathomable 11-0 (after two rounds). 15-2 overall (6-0 vT) when including round playoffs. And last time in R1 playoffs silver challenger match, took out Stats, TY, and Leenock in order, before finally being stopped by Zest.'"
if these are not facts then I don't know what else you can call facts
On May 21 2016 23:19 Traitorwtf wrote: if you start to count titles, then yes, Maru nowhere near... but if you look at his recent results he is now clearly best or second best player in the world after Zest (who plays a little OP race atm). I wish Maru won't have wrist problems, cause it's the main reason why he loses his form sometimes
If Maru was good enough to get into GSL/SSL last season then he wouldn't have done quite as well in PL. He had a huge advantage of only having to prepare for PL whereas most every other big gun had multiple things to prep for.
Yes, Maru is the no. 2 in the moment. But since next week, Maru will be no. 1. Because Zest will not be anymore that much Immortal.
But the best thing for me is that sOs is back getting his form ... so we should see him in both GSL and SSL getting somewhere ... if he will be able to beat Zergs without the big Immortality ...