EPT
Game 1: Pusan vs Savior on Reverse Temple
Pusan wanted this match up out of the gate, and by losing to Hwasin (who advanced from his group), he got his wish. Too bad his whole tourny was on the line. After losing to a timing rush in the first match of the tourny, Savior put away up and coming jaedong to set up this MBC CJ battle, a preview of the upcoming proleague finals.
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Savior's defense was just so flexible that despite losing battles he won the war. Pusan looked a little disoriented with his strategy as his sairs were mostly useless. His reavers on the ground packed a punch though, something more protoss players should try and utilize. Nevertheless, Savior moves on in his quest to take his 4th MSL title.
Game 2: Much vs Silver on Blitz X
Silver is another finalist from last season facing a do or die situation. His opponent was the impressive rookie Much, who has been busy of late participating in both leagues.
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Much tried the cheese and failed, while Silver used his trademark hydras and some nice micro to put away the game. His hatchery placement at his natural which forced Much to make extra cannons was a nice touch. (Hot_Bid) It is unforunate that Much decided to all-in on his last game like that. Silver moves on.
Game 3: Canata vs Bisu on Longinus
Bisu, the Darling Boy of protoss players everywhere at the end of last year, has hit a bit of a wall lately. However, all that could be erased with a simple and convincing win over Canata. The entire SK team has been in a deep slump since the departure of BOXER, and other than Midas they have showed listless performances and meagre results. Canata was definately looking to change that.
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Man Bisu tried hard to lose that game didn't he? After a successful 14 nexus, it took Bisu another 45 minutes to put away Canata. Losing two expo's to a sropship and two tanks isn't exactly "pro play". For his part, the terran had a couple good opportunities to push the short distances between the two bases. However, his inability to secure another expansion for an extended period of time meant he couldn't trade economy with Bisu. Protoss had al least one survivor this night.
Game 4: Xellos vs Free on Desert Fox
Most people called it from the beginning, this map is a terran boon. Perhaps the MSL doesn't want another zerg champion? Regardless, the perfect one had a little iece of business to take care of before his big proleague adventure on the weekend. The only thing stading in his way was Free. Here is the action...
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Seriously... EYE could win vs Free on this map. Despite losing massive numbers of units to storm, Xellos was able to pull out the win with his big upgrades and goliath chain guns. Nice to have a veteran move on, I didn't Much like Free anyways.
So, the stage is set for the next round, with eight gamers having gone through. Here is what the next round holds, which will be carried out in the same manner as this one:
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Group A
Hwasin vs Bisu
Light vs Silver
Group B
Justin vs Xellos
Nal_rA vs Savior
As always, keep your eye's peeled for jkillashark's Results and Standings threads, which I am sure he will have online shortly.
Cheers,
Mani.
GJ!
