TaeJa vs. Squirtle - ESV TV Grand Prix #2 Finals

Squirtle is one of my prime models for PvT play (ie I steal tons of his play). He's brilliant at balanced defefense without sacrificing his economy. Taking MVP to game 7 is no simple feat, especially considering the varied styles MVP deployed. However, Taeja's hyperaggressive but consistent TvP has impressed more than any other player in the last three months. Even though I'd expect it to be a close series, I give Taeja the edge.

Squirtle 4-2 or 4-1, because he knows how to play abusive.

I think TaeJa is going to take it because he's on a roll and I love his play. He has amazing micro/macro and just looking like a beast right now. I think they key to winning though is going to be if he can hold off some of Squirtle's strong timings, like his 2 base colossus all-ins. 4-3 Taeja.

I currently am playing Terran this season of ladder and, like thousands who endure similar frustrations, I have hit a wall where I severely struggle to ignore the stigmas of Z/P being stronger. This wall does not apply to Liquid`Taeja who just seems to break the rules of Terran. Ever since watching his replay pack from when he was first inducted into TL, Gretorp and I agreed -- this young'in is super special. His builds aren't the most efficient or fleshed out, but I believe his positional technique and control are on the level even greater than MarineKing. Taeja is one of the future stars for the Terran race.

That said, I believe Squirtle will win. Even though Squirtle did lose to Taeja recently in the IPL qualifiers, Squirtle manhandled Taeja last season in GSL on his road to the finals. If you watch PvT from Squirtle, his builds are brilliantly dynamic and flexible. Squirtle's biggest limitations are when he reads his opponents wrong or dives too quickly at an opportunity. I think with all the games Taeja showed at MLG, Squirtle has the scouting advantage and will give him the ability to read/prepare for his opponent. When Squirtle gets locked in, Taeja won't be able to win over a BO7.

Squirtle 4 - Taeja 3.

Squirtle will win because he has been in the finals of an ESV before and because he should have won vs MVP if he had slightly more experience.

I think TaeJa CAN do it. In this case, Squirtle is like a boss in a video game that he has to defeat. Sometimes you beat those bosses on the first try, sometimes you don't. Squirtle plays consistently, it seems, but TaeJa is bit more unpredictable. I don't mean to say he's sink or swim, but more like hit or sink.

Winning nine out of ten of his last Korean PvTs, Squirtle is no pushover. TaeJa shines in high-pressure situations, though, and if he brings victory, he will bring it 4-2.

IMO this match will really depend on if TaeJa can bring his best and not get flustered. Squirtle isn't MC, but he's a diverse player with powerful and unique timing attacks, and we can pretty much expect him to bring a variety of things to the table. However, an on-point TaeJa is really one of the scariest things out there, and if he can shut down an allin or two early on I expect him to do very well. Given TaeJa's performances online / in ESV in particular, I expect him to show his best.

Liquid'TaeJa 4-2 ST_Squirtle

Given proper preparation, I think Squirtle would crush Taeja 4-1 or even 4-0 but how do you prepare on maps that don't have games to study? These tournaments really showcase a players ingenuity, which in the past has allowed TaeJa to consistently bring his A Game. Squirtle is good, but a confident TaeJa is next to unbeatable in any match up and there is no reason for Taeja to have any doubts.

TaeJa will take this, 4-2; losing only on Cloud Kingdom and Golden Valley.