[Interview] 2012 GSL S3 CodeS RO16 Group D

Your thoughts on advancing to ro8 in first place?

I wasn’t able to practise a lot because of some personal matters. So I wasn’t expecting to advance in first place which makes me even happier that I did. Looking at the rest of the bracket, it seems like I can get to the finals with no problem.

You are doing rather well lately.

I lose often in practice at the moment but I feel like I’m invincible on the stage. That’s why I think it’s time for another championship. If I stay the way I am, this season is mine.

The finals is in your hometown so doesn’t that motivate you even more?

When I heard, I told myself that I had to get to the finals no matter what. Ro16 was the hardest step and since I’m advancing in first place, I should be able to get to the finals no matter what. The only thing I need to think about now is the finals in my hometown.

It wasn’t on easy group so how did you prepare for it?

I was very confident in ZvT. So even I knew that I could advance through the final match even if I lost to Nestea in the winner’s match.

You had a very long game against Ryung.

I had a very sloppy first battle so got backed into a corner. I wasn’t able to spend my resources after some tight battles so my composition was ruined. Ryung is a great player so I prepared specifically for him but he surprised me by blocking all my moves.

You faced Nestea in the winner’s match.

I feel like I play faster lately. So I thought I’d have the upper hand if it got to the late game and strategized around that concept.

You will face Naniwa in ro8

I can do whatever I want and still win. That’s all I have to say.

GSTL and GSL are being held in Busan.

This is my one chance to be in both the individual and team leagues in my hometown Busan. I think this might be a first and last chance for me as a progamer. I want to win both leagues in style in my hometown.

Anything to add?

I want to thank our sponsor Razer, our partner MYM and people who helped with practice Dream and Sniper. I had a headache at the studio but got better because my coach took great care of me. I want to thank the coach, his family, my girlfriend, my parents, family and last but not least, the fans who cheer for me.

Your thoughts on advancing after some close games?

I’m glad because I haven’t been in ro8 in a while. I’m glad to have secured a Code S spot for next season.

Did you intend to rely on TvZ only for your advancement?

Yes, I did. That’s why I didn’t practise any ZvZ but DRG seemed to have the same idea. I think it was still a good decision.

Did you expect to face DRG in the winner’s match?

Somewhat. Even if it were a Terran, I was confident that I would advance to ro8.

You seemed to lose more concentration the longer a game went.

Indeed, I did. Maybe it’s because I’m getting older but I had a hard time physically in longer games. However, I tried my best thinking that a loss was not acceptable. I think I’ll start exercising from tomorrow to prepare for such lengthy games.

You had some disappointing play such as having idle drones in Set 2 of the final match.

I didn’t find out until the match was over. I was playing without any idea of what I was doing.

You did an all-in for the last set of the final match.

I was actually planning to use it for the first map but saved it because I felt I could win with macro on that map. Later, I intentionally chose Daybreak with its long rush distance to use that strategy.

You now have a best of 5 series in store.

I’ve been looking forward to this. A best of 5 series is much easier to prepare for than the dual tournament.

You face Byun in ro8

Byun is one Terran I really wanted to avoid. He is exceptionally good. However since it’s decided, I hope we have a fun and amazing match.

Are you confident about getting to the finals?

I give myself about 10%. I really want to but can’t guarantee it. There are too many great players so I’ll just focus on the match at hand.

OSL is starting soon.

I’ve gotten to the dual tournament stage in Starcraft 1. At the time, I went 0:2 so I want to do well in Starcraft 2. GSL is my top priority but I still want to prepare and perform well.

What are your plans for the future?

I’m planning to skip foreign tournaments for a while. I will focus on Korean tournaments or a month or two. Attending some foreign tournaments early this year took its toll on me.

How do you think you will do in the WCG 2012 qualifiers?

Again I can’t be sure because there are too many great players. I think I’ll just have to do my best.

Anything to add?

I want to thank Happy for practising with me and also IMHirai. Today’s my lovely girlfriend’s birthday so I’m sorry that I wasn’t able to spend the day with her and I wish to dedicate my victory to her. I want to thank her for being so understanding and I want to say that I love her very much. Lastly, I want to thank our sponsors: LG Electronics, Googims, Nvidia, Cocacola and SteelSeries.