[GSL] Code S Ro32 Day 2

HongUn < Terminus SE > Kyrix

LosirA < Xel'Naga Fortress > Genius

Kyrix < Metalopolis > LosirA

HongUn < Terminus SE > Genius

Kyrix < Crevasse > LosirA

Tiebreaker Game 2 on < Xel'Naga Caverns >
Not needed.

Set 1: HongUn < Terminus SE > Kyrix
Set 2: LosirA < Xel'Naga Fortress > Genius
Set 3: Kyrix< Metalopolis > LosirA
Set 4: HongUn< Terminus SE > Genius
Set 5: Kyrix < Crevasse > LosirA
Set 6: Tiebreaker Game 2 on < Xel'Naga Caverns >

Group Standing:
1. Genius, 2-0
2. LosirA, 2-1
3. Kyrix, 1-2
4. HongUn, 0-2

Not needed.

NaDa < Tal'Darim Altar LE > MarineKing

Zenio < Xel'Naga Fortress > Alicia

NaDa < Xel'Naga Caverns > Zenio

MarineKing < Xel'Naga Caverns > Alicia

MarineKing < Metalopolis > Zenio

NaDa < Metalopolis > Alicia

Set 1: NaDa < Tal'Darim Altar LE > MarineKing
Set 2: Zenio < Xel'Naga Fortress > Alicia
Set 3: NaDa < Xel'Naga Caverns > Zenio
Set 4: MarineKing < Xel'Naga Caverns > Alicia
Set 5: MarineKing < Metalopolis > Zenio
Set 6: NaDa < Metalopolis > Alicia

Group Standing:
1. Alicia, 3-0
2. NaDa, 2-1
3. MarineKing, 1-2
4. Zenio, 0-3

Way back when, a BW b-teamer with the ID tHuNdeR made the switch to Sc2 and qualified for the first GSL. He was pummeled 2-0 by TLO under his new name; Losira. It would be some time before we ever heard from that zerg again, but when he returned in force last season; tearing through a line of strong players to win Code A, and cementing himself as one of the world's top three zergs. He's heavily favored to continue his run in this group, but that isn't quite as assured as it probably should be. This is a group with a flawed, but occasionally brilliant supporting cast. The odd-man out is possibly Genius, who has been unconvincing in recent GSL play, yet still managed to topple MVP to survive in Code S. Kyrix also has struggled to recapture the mojo of his GSL2 heroics, but remains an intriguing possibility, and a wild-card stylistically. Finally, HongUn is yet a third player who is difficult to gauge, and has a habit of underperforming expectations one tournament, then overperforming in the next. This would portend a failure here, as would his 0-5 record in televised PvPs. That gives an opening to Genius, and here we come full circle.

This is an extremely difficult group to call. Given the opening match-ups, HongUn should handle Kyrix on Terminus. Genius is a push against Kyrix, but will probably choke it away. Losira should take the group no matter what. That leaves a two game series between HongUn and Kyrix or a match between Genius and HongUn, which Genius would win and then presumably draw Kyrix. This is all nearly impossible to project, but HongUn's route seems slightly more probable.

Who to watch: ZeNEXKyrix
It's no secret that zergs have been having trouble in ZvP recently, and Kyrix is no exception. Nonetheless, Kyrix remains a curious weapon in the zerg arsenal. The aggressive play that is his hallmark may yet score some wins against the grain, and could advance him from a difficult group.

Group D brings together a number of players with uncertain futures and very different backgrounds. The group's most accomplished player is the two time finalist MarineKing. Always a bridesmaid, never a bride, MarineKing would love to get to the altar this season, but made a poor showing of himself in last season. Another second place finish in the recent GSL World Championship is surely weighing on his mind. NaDa is the seed in this groups, as well as its most notable player. Since switching from BW, NaDa has shown good but not tremendous performances in the GSL, and may lack the upside of much of the rest of the field. A surprising run in last season's Code A has made Alicia one of the most intriguing players to watch in this GSL. Defeating MVP in the up/down matches, and playing solidly in the GSTL has only increased his stock. Finally, Zenio is the likely ugly duckling of this group, having remained in Code S, but unlikely to ever do much with it.

Alicia, MarineKing, and NaDa are all reasonable predictions for this group, but when paired with the recent triumphs of the two former players, NaDa's recent form can be called into question. An early match against MarineKing on Terminus will be a tough order. So too will a game against Alicia on Xel'Naga.

Who to watch: Slayers_Alicia
Alicia is good, we know this, but how good? Advancing from the group is expected, but winning it would be a huge statement, and also might help dodge Losira early on. That'd be great news for the rising protoss, and could lead to a longer run in Code S. As a leading player of recent GSTL winners SlayerS, a lot of eyes will be on Alicia to see exactly how far he can do on the mainstage.