• Log InLog In
  • Register
Liquid`
Team Liquid Liquipedia
EDT 20:27
CEST 02:27
KST 09:27
  • Home
  • Forum
  • Calendar
  • Streams
  • Liquipedia
  • Features
  • Store
  • EPT
  • TL+
  • StarCraft 2
  • Brood War
  • Smash
  • Heroes
  • Counter-Strike
  • Overwatch
  • Liquibet
  • Fantasy StarCraft
  • TLPD
  • StarCraft 2
  • Brood War
  • Blogs
Forum Sidebar
Events/Features
News
Featured News
[ASL19] Finals Recap: Standing Tall10HomeStory Cup 27 - Info & Preview18Classic wins Code S Season 2 (2025)16Code S RO4 & Finals Preview: herO, Rogue, Classic, GuMiho0TL Team Map Contest #5: Presented by Monster Energy6
Community News
Firefly given lifetime ban by ESIC following match-fixing investigation12$25,000 Streamerzone StarCraft Pro Series announced6Weekly Cups (June 30 - July 6): Classic Doubles6[BSL20] Non-Korean Championship 4x BSL + 4x China9Flash Announces Hiatus From ASL66
StarCraft 2
General
Firefly given lifetime ban by ESIC following match-fixing investigation The SCII GOAT: A statistical Evaluation TL Team Map Contest #4: Winners Weekly Cups (June 30 - July 6): Classic Doubles The GOAT ranking of GOAT rankings
Tourneys
$25,000 Streamerzone StarCraft Pro Series announced FEL Cracov 2025 (July 27) - $8000 live event Sparkling Tuna Cup - Weekly Open Tournament RSL: Revival, a new crowdfunded tournament series WardiTV Mondays
Strategy
How did i lose this ZvP, whats the proper response Simple Questions Simple Answers
Custom Maps
[UMS] Zillion Zerglings
External Content
Mutation # 481 Fear and Lava Mutation # 480 Moths to the Flame Mutation # 479 Worn Out Welcome Mutation # 478 Instant Karma
Brood War
General
BGH Auto Balance -> http://bghmmr.eu/ ASL20 Preliminary Maps [G] Progamer Settings [ASL19] Finals Recap: Standing Tall SC uni coach streams logging into betting site
Tourneys
[Megathread] Daily Proleagues [BSL20] Non-Korean Championship 4x BSL + 4x China [BSL20] Grand Finals - Sunday 20:00 CET CSL Xiamen International Invitational
Strategy
Simple Questions, Simple Answers I am doing this better than progamers do.
Other Games
General Games
Stormgate/Frost Giant Megathread Nintendo Switch Thread Path of Exile What do you want from future RTS games? Beyond All Reason
Dota 2
Official 'what is Dota anymore' discussion
League of Legends
Positive Thoughts on Setting Up a Dual-Caliber FX
Heroes of the Storm
Simple Questions, Simple Answers Heroes of the Storm 2.0
Hearthstone
Heroes of StarCraft mini-set
TL Mafia
TL Mafia Community Thread Vanilla Mini Mafia
Community
General
Things Aren’t Peaceful in Palestine US Politics Mega-thread Russo-Ukrainian War Thread Summer Games Done Quick 2025! Stop Killing Games - European Citizens Initiative
Fan Clubs
SKT1 Classic Fan Club! Maru Fan Club
Media & Entertainment
Anime Discussion Thread [Manga] One Piece [\m/] Heavy Metal Thread
Sports
Formula 1 Discussion 2024 - 2025 Football Thread NBA General Discussion TeamLiquid Health and Fitness Initiative For 2023 NHL Playoffs 2024
World Cup 2022
Tech Support
Computer Build, Upgrade & Buying Resource Thread
TL Community
The Automated Ban List
Blogs
momentary artworks from des…
tankgirl
Culture Clash in Video Games…
TrAiDoS
from making sc maps to makin…
Husyelt
StarCraft improvement
iopq
Customize Sidebar...

Website Feedback

Closed Threads



Active: 586 users

Code S RO16 Preview: Trap, Cure, herO, TY

Forum Index > SC2 General
18 CommentsPost a Reply

Code S RO16 Preview: Trap, Cure, herO, TY

Text byTL.net ESPORTS
August 29th, 2019 20:15 GMT

Code S Season 3 - RO16 Group B:
Trap, Cure, herO, TY

Start time: Saturday, Aug 31 4:00am GMT (GMT+00:00)

by Wax

Days after KeeN demonstrated that a 77% increase in EMP area-of-effect might actually constitute a serious buff in TvZ (shocking, I know), it's now time to see how the latest round of balance changes have affected the TvP match-up. Interestingly enough, KeeN mentioned in his post-match interview that he was quite confident in post-patch TvP—a rarity considering how whining about the weakness of their race is the default state for most progamers—so perhaps Group B will show us exactly what he meant.

More info: GSL Code S Season 3 on Liquipedia

Just looking at the raw stats, Season 2 runner-up Trap should be a heavy favorite to advance from this group. Protoss vs Terran has been his best match-up during the WCS 2019 season, where he's put up a crazy good 41-11 match record with a 123-55 map score against mostly Korean opposition.

Still, I'm worried that a perfect storm is brewing to blast Trap back to his old, Ro16 player status. A lot of Trap's impressive PvT record was built online, a realm where he rules as one of the twin emperors alongside Zest. In GSL play, there's much less evidence to prove he's a truly elite PvT player. He got turned inside out by Maru in the Season 1 semifinals, beat SpeCial (2-0) and INnoVation (3-2) in Season 2, and beat TaeJa 2-0 in the Ro32 of the present Season 3. Trap's latest offline match, a 3-1 victory against HeroMarine at GSL vs. The World, did more to worry than reassure. It was a match-up he was supposed to win handily, but he ended up dropping a map after some less-than-perfect defense against a Tank push. Things got worse in the team match (even if it was technically an exhibition), where he was again unable to hold off waves of HeroMarine's infantry. Stats in the streets, PartinG in the sheets, as they say.

Trap fans could be tempted to let out a sigh of relief upon seeing that his initial opponent is the lowly Cure. If not for two, almost inexplicable Code S Ro4 runs in 2014 and 2016, Cure would rate as one of the least successful players remaining in the tournament. If you read the back of the bag, Cure is basically like the old Trap: empty calories filling space in the Ro16.

Or so you may be tempted to believe! Like the old Trap, Cure is one of those players who has built a cult following due his strong online play. Like the old Trap, Cure has talked about how he suffers from a mental block that prevents him from playing up to 100% of his abilities in big matches. And like the old Trap, Cure says he's starting to work through those problems. The Ro32 saw Cure nearly beat Stats in a close 1-2 loss. A pessimist would say Cure bashed his head against Stats' shield until he died. The optimist would say that any other player would have fallen to Cure's relentless attacks, and that Stats survived only because he is the greatest defensive player in the game. Throw in the Jin Air team-kill factor to weird things up, and we might have a surprisingly close match on our hands.

The other PvT pairing of the night has herO going up against TY. Once more, one player is a strong favorite on paper. Ever since his Ro32 elimination in Code S season two, TY has been on a furious comeback run with a WCS Global Finals spot in his sights. He finished second place at HomeStory Cup 19, losing only to Serral, and then proceeded to advance from his Code S Ro32 group with wins against Impact and Maru. Even after his unfortunate, first round match against Serral at GSL vs. The World (ending in a 1-3 loss), TY is looking like the best Terran player in Korea (don't forget, he almost won the Terran vote for Team Korea).

TY's PvT has been particularly impressive during this period, and he's currently on a seven match winning streak with victories over Classic, Zest, Stats, and Neeb. How could herO stand a chance? Yeah he's good, but he's good in a wonky way. His top four run at IEM Katowice, were both a showcase and indictment of his abilities: he needed to melt everyone's brains in bizarre, logic-defying PvPs to achieve his best result of the year. Besides that, his results have been a top sixteen and top eight finish in Code S, and a top eight finish at the recent ASUS ROG Summer tournament. Again, he's good—just not championship-tier good.

Then again, the fact that herO is such a wonky player is the biggest thing he has going for him. His latest series PvT from ASUS ROG where he eliminated INnoVation summed up exactly why TY fans should be afraid: First, he stopped INnoVation's two-base timing attack. Then, he shoved Blink Stalkers down INnoVations' throat for a 6 minute victory. Cue TY fans sweating profusely: 'Wait, losing by failing a too-clever timing attack, and then losing to a dumb all-in right after? That's exactly what TY would do!' No, they're not the most impressive games. But these kind of games have kept happening for herO consistently over the years.

Incidentally, do you want to know who gave TY his last PvT loss before he went on his winning streak? Why, it's none other than herO himself (in a Master's Colisseum match where I can't find the VOD).

Predictions:

After making the case for Cure above, I still don't really believe myself. Cure has just been so mediocre in Code S for so long, that I can't pick him to win a big, offline match until he proves that he can (the easiest stance to ever take in predictions). On the other hand, herO... That guy was made to confound fans, progamers, and anyone who cares about StarCraft II esports. If he can drag Trap into a PvP deathmatch with a quarterfinal spot on the line, I can see Trap's dream-like two seasons of advancing past the Ro16 coming to an end.

Predictions:

Trap > Cure
TY > herO
TY > Trap
herO > Cure
herO > Trap

TY and herO to advance



Credits and acknowledgements

Writers: Wax
Images: AfreecaTV
Statistics: Aligulac.com
Facebook Twitter Reddit
TL+ Member
iMrising
Profile Blog Joined March 2012
United States1099 Posts
August 29 2019 20:48 GMT
#2
Careful wax, your first paragraph might elicit strong responses... But you knew that
$O$ | soO
yubo56
Profile Joined May 2014
687 Posts
Last Edited: 2019-08-29 21:05:24
August 29 2019 21:00 GMT
#3
Taeyang hwaiting!!

Also, really glad both TY and herO win their initial match against each other (typo sighted)
Jung Yoon Jong fighting, even after retirement! Feel better soon.
Waxangel
Profile Blog Joined September 2002
United States33344 Posts
Last Edited: 2019-08-29 21:24:13
August 29 2019 21:24 GMT
#4
On August 30 2019 06:00 yubo56 wrote:
Taeyang hwaiting!!

Also, really glad both TY and herO win their initial match against each other (typo sighted)


baaah that's so minor im leaving it in out of spite >:0
AdministratorHey HP can you redo everything youve ever done because i have a small complaint?
Argonauta
Profile Joined July 2016
Spain4906 Posts
August 29 2019 21:31 GMT
#5
Cure and Trap all the way. Please dont hesitate to avoid looking at my flair
Rogue | Maru | Scarlett | Trap
TL+ Member
THERIDDLER
Profile Joined July 2014
Canada116 Posts
August 29 2019 21:31 GMT
#6
a 77% increase in EMP demonstrates what happens in lategame TvZ if you remax on ultras instead of BL infestor.
Please don't fricken hack, its just a game.
BerserkSword
Profile Joined December 2018
United States2123 Posts
August 29 2019 22:46 GMT
#7
On August 30 2019 05:15 TL.net ESPORTS wrote:
Stats in the streets, PartinG in the sheets, as they say.



lmao
TL+ Member
Xain0n
Profile Joined November 2018
Italy3963 Posts
August 29 2019 23:49 GMT
#8
Great article, I loved the tone!
This group seems impossible to predict to me.
Maila
Profile Joined August 2019
3 Posts
August 30 2019 00:03 GMT
#9
--- Nuked ---
Maila
Profile Joined August 2019
3 Posts
August 30 2019 00:08 GMT
#10
--- Nuked ---
RatzBarcode
Profile Joined December 2013
United States98 Posts
August 30 2019 00:42 GMT
#11
On August 30 2019 09:08 Maila wrote:
Age: 11 Weeks.

Price : $ 800

Jenny is an absolute doll with and amazing personality, She is very friendly , outgoing and love everyone. She will be the perfect size to take everywhere with you. She is up to date on all her vaccination and Vet checks. She has a beautiful hair coat that is non-shedding and allergy friendly. Jenny will come to you pre-spoiled and ready to be your friend for life. We give our babies all the love and attention the deserve, so that you can receive the very best puppy.
for pictures contact me
Email picadaly1@gmail.com


I know this is above my pay grade, but this person should be banned.
zumpy
Profile Joined August 2011
United States122 Posts
August 30 2019 04:54 GMT
#12
it sort of feels like hero will always make it through these early stages only to lose when he's someone a level above him in a longer series. It feels like he's really good at getting in people's head enough win some Bo3
well won
sneakyfox
Profile Joined January 2017
8216 Posts
August 30 2019 11:54 GMT
#13
Trap not looking too strong lately, Cure looking better than usual, team kill, and herO being TY's nemesis... I have no idea how this is going to end.
"I saw what sneakyfox wrote on TL.net and it made me furious" - PartinG
Gina
Profile Joined July 2019
241 Posts
August 30 2019 12:46 GMT
#14
On August 30 2019 09:42 RatzBarcode wrote:
I know this is above my pay grade, but this person should be banned.


How about not quoting their moderator-deleted message for a start.
Omit needles swords.
Akio
Profile Blog Joined January 2019
Finland1838 Posts
August 30 2019 13:21 GMT
#15
Would be cool to see Cure advance to the ro8. And as always TAEYANG FIGHTING!
Mine gas, build tanks.
GreasedUpDeafGuy
Profile Joined August 2018
United States398 Posts
August 30 2019 13:29 GMT
#16
On August 30 2019 21:46 Gina wrote:
Show nested quote +
On August 30 2019 09:42 RatzBarcode wrote:
I know this is above my pay grade, but this person should be banned.


How about not quoting their moderator-deleted message for a start.


What's it like being the way you are?
Cant catch me. You're wasting your time
Gina
Profile Joined July 2019
241 Posts
August 30 2019 16:41 GMT
#17
Should obviously have phrased that better, yes. Thank you for being sensitive and courteous.
Sorry for the offtopic, won't happen again.
Omit needles swords.
Argonauta
Profile Joined July 2016
Spain4906 Posts
August 30 2019 21:34 GMT
#18
On August 30 2019 09:08 Maila wrote:
--- Nuked ---

\whats her mmr tho? I just hang out with 4000+ people
Rogue | Maru | Scarlett | Trap
TL+ Member
veniss
Profile Joined August 2018
75 Posts
August 30 2019 22:05 GMT
#19
Stats in the streets, PartinG in the streets made me chuckle.
Please log in or register to reply.
Live Events Refresh
Replay Cast
00:00
SEL Masters #4 - Day 1
CranKy Ducklings51
Liquipedia
[ Submit Event ]
Live Streams
Refresh
StarCraft 2
Livibee 77
ProTech68
PiGStarcraft55
Nina 4
StarCraft: Brood War
Artosis 778
NaDa 82
sSak 30
Terrorterran 11
Dota 2
monkeys_forever283
NeuroSwarm86
League of Legends
JimRising 631
Counter-Strike
Fnx 1757
fl0m1313
taco 1146
sgares89
Super Smash Bros
hungrybox371
Liquid`Ken57
Heroes of the Storm
Khaldor74
Other Games
summit1g9955
C9.Mang0266
Maynarde155
ViBE152
Organizations
Other Games
gamesdonequick45276
BasetradeTV176
StarCraft 2
Blizzard YouTube
StarCraft: Brood War
BSLTrovo
sctven
[ Show 16 non-featured ]
StarCraft 2
• RyuSc2 74
• Hupsaiya 34
• davetesta30
• sooper7s
• Migwel
• LaughNgamezSOOP
• IndyKCrew
• Kozan
• intothetv
• AfreecaTV YouTube
StarCraft: Brood War
• BSLYoutube
• STPLYoutube
• ZZZeroYoutube
League of Legends
• Jankos2130
• masondota21951
Other Games
• Scarra2280
Upcoming Events
RSL Revival
9h 33m
ByuN vs SHIN
Clem vs Reynor
OSC
12h 33m
Replay Cast
23h 33m
RSL Revival
1d 9h
Classic vs Cure
FEL
1d 15h
OSC
1d 19h
RSL Revival
2 days
FEL
2 days
FEL
2 days
CSO Cup
2 days
[ Show More ]
BSL20 Non-Korean Champi…
2 days
Bonyth vs QiaoGege
Dewalt vs Fengzi
Hawk vs Zhanhun
Sziky vs Mihu
Mihu vs QiaoGege
Zhanhun vs Sziky
Fengzi vs Hawk
Sparkling Tuna Cup
3 days
RSL Revival
3 days
FEL
3 days
BSL20 Non-Korean Champi…
3 days
Bonyth vs Dewalt
QiaoGege vs Dewalt
Hawk vs Bonyth
Sziky vs Fengzi
Mihu vs Zhanhun
QiaoGege vs Zhanhun
Fengzi vs Mihu
Replay Cast
5 days
Replay Cast
6 days
Liquipedia Results

Completed

Proleague 2025-07-07
HSC XXVII
Heroes 10 EU

Ongoing

JPL Season 2
BSL 2v2 Season 3
Acropolis #3
KCM Race Survival 2025 Season 2
CSL 17: 2025 SUMMER
Copa Latinoamericana 4
Jiahua Invitational
Championship of Russia 2025
RSL Revival: Season 1
Murky Cup #2
BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025
ESL Impact League Season 7
IEM Dallas 2025
PGL Astana 2025
Asian Champions League '25
BLAST Rivals Spring 2025
MESA Nomadic Masters
CCT Season 2 Global Finals
IEM Melbourne 2025

Upcoming

2025 ACS Season 2: Qualifier
CSLPRO Last Chance 2025
CSL Xiamen Invitational
CSL Xiamen Invitational: ShowMatche
2025 ACS Season 2
CSLPRO Chat StarLAN 3
K-Championship
uThermal 2v2 Main Event
SEL Season 2 Championship
FEL Cracov 2025
Esports World Cup 2025
Underdog Cup #2
StarSeries Fall 2025
FISSURE Playground #2
BLAST Open Fall 2025
BLAST Open Fall Qual
Esports World Cup 2025
BLAST Bounty Fall 2025
BLAST Bounty Fall Qual
IEM Cologne 2025
FISSURE Playground #1
TLPD

1. ByuN
2. TY
3. Dark
4. Solar
5. Stats
6. Nerchio
7. sOs
8. soO
9. INnoVation
10. Elazer
1. Rain
2. Flash
3. EffOrt
4. Last
5. Bisu
6. Soulkey
7. Mini
8. Sharp
Sidebar Settings...

Advertising | Privacy Policy | Terms Of Use | Contact Us

Original banner artwork: Jim Warren
The contents of this webpage are copyright © 2025 TLnet. All Rights Reserved.