[Interview] 2012 GSL S3 U&D Group C Winners

You are in Code S for the second season in a row, tell us how you feel

I got eliminated so early last season that I forgot this is my second season of Code S in a row. I’m relieved that I was able to remain in Code S.

You played in a group of five, how was it?

The other players in the group are in the same boat, aren’t they? So, I didn’t give it much thought and focused on getting out of the group. I’m not too fussed about dropping a single game to Protoss.

What do you mean you don’t mind losing to Protoss?

Today, Vines opted for the upgrade style Protoss which everyone knows is OP. I’m sure he just a-clicked his well-upgraded units but I had a hell of a time controlling my units against that. I tried really hard and to be pushed back so easily despite that, it actually made me feel better. That’s why I wasn’t affected for subsequent games.

You took the game against Polt after a very back and forth game

I didn’t have enough time for practice after returning from MLG yesterday. I played on the ladder yesterday only to lose nine games out of ten. It made me think that it would be hard for me to advance to Code S but I decided to play good games even if I am to get eliminated. Luckily, I’m satisfied because my last game was fantastic.

Your on-the-spot decision making was outstanding

I think finding weak points in my opponent with scans was key. I feel that we should show better games compared to Kespa players. That’s why I tried even harder.

You were extremely careful at the end of that game, was it because of seeker missile?

I knew I had cancelled the upgrade but there was a possibility that Polt had restarted it. He was playing so well. I wanted to be as safe as possible.

Your goal for next season?

I have been working hard for the past 2-3 weeks but I wasn’t able to do well at MLG and felt really bad as a result. It’s fortunate that I get to return to Code S like this. This season, my goal is the finals no matter what. I think I got to ro8 about a year ago but I want the championship this time. I want to win a championship first and then play the rest of 2012 out comfortably.

How was the recent MLG?

MLG and GSL feel so different. I think that’s why I performed badly. Other than MMA falling unexpectedly early, there wasn’t anything out of the ordinary. It was a great experience in itself.

Anything to add?

I’m going back home for the first time this year and forgot to tell my teammates. Don’t freak out when I don’t return to the training house and keep practising. I’ll make sure to rest up well and return.

Your thoughts on making it into Code S after a tie breaker?

When the tie breaker was decided, I had all but given up on Code S. Luckily, it turned out well. This is my first win in the GSL since the Super tournament so it’s quite refreshing.

How did you feel about the bracket?

I never expected a tie breaker. I was planning to win 3 games in the beginning but losing the first set put a kink in the plans. I was able to advance to Code S because luck was on my side today.

Your most difficult match?

The game against Ryung. Nothing went according to plan so I had a hard time. I got nervous in the first game of the tie breaker too and forgot to research metabolic boost (T/N: zergling speed) but got lucky in the end.

You must have been on the edge of your seat watching the game between Polt and Ryung

Inside, I kept saying to myself that everything was over. Then Ryung made a comeback. He is so good. I want to take this opportunity to say thanks.

You are the only Zenex player on Code S so you must feel pressured

Of course but all my teammates are great in practice so I have faith in them. I happen to be posting the best results but I’m not very good within the team. Zenex will do really well at the qualifiers.

You got into Up and Downs with a walk-over

It felt to me like a great opportunity. I lost to MMA convincingly but Up and Downs was waiting for me and MMA being a close friend, I wasn’t too disappointed. After playing against MMA, I felt that I stood a chance against other players. I lost but that game was still very helpful.

You were experience one loss after another, didn’t that affect you mentally?

I was desperate for one win. I kept losing in GSTL and even after getting through the qualifiers, I kept going 0-2 in Code A. If I had gotten eliminated this season once again, I would have fallen into a slump. That’s why I was desperate for a win.

This is your first time in Code S, are you confident?

We’ll have to see. So far, first timers haven’t done well in Code S historically. That does worry me a bit. There seems to be something special about Code S so I will have to practise thoroughly.

You must be needed for your team to win in the upcoming GSTL

My ‘dong sang’s (T/N: Korean term for juniors) are playing much better than I am. That’s why I am sorry. If I had won just one game, we could have won as a team. I will try hard to be the ace this season.

Your play seems much better

People say that Zerg benefits from this patch but I didn’t utilise any play that is based on the patch. I think I should start researching ways to take advantage of the patch.

Anything to add?

There are many progamers out there working really hard. However, there are many times they lose before being shown on a broadcast. If the fans become critical of players at such a time, it really negatively affects the players and starts a downward spiral for them. So rather than criticising, I hope the fans cheer them on.
Having said that, I hope many fans cheer on Zenex because we are practising really hard.