Source: This Is Game
Please tell us your thoughts on successfully returning to Code S.
I don't feel too excited. I think it's a matter of fact that I will always return to Code S, regardless of what method I need to use.
In your first match against YoDa, you began on a shaky start during the early game.
I used a build where you are not supposed to lose Drones, but his attempted Hellion attack was very successful. Because of the damage caused by YoDa's Hellion build, the game became a difficult one for me.
During your set against Genius, you looked as if you would lose but turned around the game and managed to win.
When my Zergling attack was blocked, I had thought that I had lost. I thought, what the heck, I'll try taking my expansion and see whether it works or not. Luckily for me, Genius played a safe game, and I was able to win.
Had you prepared your all-in strategy in advance for your last game?
I had prepared to use it from the beginning. Bomber prefers to play greedily, so I predicted that he would take another bold expansion and went all-in.
In terms of skill, people haven't rated you as highly as they used to.
I also think that I haven't been playing as well as I did at my peak. When I play broadcasted matches nowadays, I feel like there are many areas where I falter. I think my skill level is around 70-80% from where it used to be.
Many KeSPA players are now in Code S. Do you think this will bring change to the current Code S scene?
When KeSPA first announced the transition to SC2, I thought that as long as they practiced enough, the KeSPA players would end up taking up half of the spots in the GSL along with the eSF players. Whether we are in the KeSPA camp or the eSF camp, we are all the same type of gamer.
Do you have any goals set for this season of Code S?
Since this is the last GSL of the year and there's an opportunity to travel to Las Vegas if you do well, I want to try going there once. I initially wanted to win two GSLs but haven't been able to win any of them since Season 1, so I want to try fulfilling my original goal and end this year of the GSL with a victory.
Is there anyone in Code S whom you would pick out as a difficult opponent?
I don't have any players in mind specifically, but I have the most trouble when I play ZvZ. I'm not worried about anyone in particular, but I want to avoid ZvZ because of how important build orders are in the matchup.
Many pros have said that they have tried to emulate Life's style but failed.
I've also tried it once, but my win rate wasn't as high as when I played normally, so I don't know. Because knowing more styles is always better, I want to practice it, but it will take a great amount of time to become as good at using it as Life is.
Engine, one of the GSL commentators, has called Life's play style a new paradigm shift for Zerg.
The entire style is one that only Life is able to properly use, so it's hard to call it a paradigm shift.
A lot of pros have called the Brood Lord-Infestor unit composition unbeatable.
I don't pay attention to such whiners. Even if they haven't found a solution yet, I believe that a way to counter BL-Infestor definitely exists.
Do you have any final comments?
I want to thank Dream as well as our team's manager and his family. I'm also grateful to all of our families, our fans, our acquaintances, and our girlfriends. I hope that many people try coming to this OSL final. I want to send my thanks to my team's sponsors, Lotte Chilsung and Razer, in addition to our partner, MYM.
IM_YoDa
Source: This Is Game
We would like to hear your thoughts on making it to Code S.
I feel good, and that's about it (laughs).
You successfully advanced to Code S two seasons in a row.
I've improved greatly since I began using a different practice system from last season's. I was able to make it through because I was able to translate that increase in skill into results.
During the first game, you started out strong in the early game but allowed your opponent to turn the game around.
I personally have a lot of confidence in my TvZ, but I strangely haven't been perform very well in broadcasted matches. I hadn't known this before, but my win rate against Zerg is 20%, so I think I will need to fix my weakness.
Against Mini, you built proxy Barracks and ended the game quickly.
When we played, I had already been able to loosen up my hands by playing a game in advance, while Mini hadn't had the opportunity to do the same. I knew from previous experience in the Up & Downs that the player who has played a match in advance has the advantage, so I believed that I was bound to win.
You beat Bomber during the last set with few complications.
My build was so effective that I was placed in a position from which I couldn't lose.
Do you have any goals for this season's Code S?
I want to advance to the group nominations. That was my goal last season, but I wasn't able to make it happen, so I want to do it this time.
Many KeSPA players have advanced to Code S this season. Is there anyone whom you want to avoid?
In my view, KeSPA and eSF players are all the same type of gamer. With the exception of Mvp and Life, I don't think there are too many differences between them. Life has always been amazing, and I think that Mvp is a player on another level. People say that they are on a different class, and I can feel it.
How did you think of last week's final?
I thought that Mvp would win 4-2. Personally, I think that Mvp wasn't able to show all of his skill during the final, and I would say that he played only at 60%.
Do you have any last words?
I want to thank dreamertt, YongHwa, and True for helping me practice, as well as horror for coming with me today. Our manager has been under a lot of stress recently, but I think that time will make things better. Finally, I want to send my thanks to my parents, as well as my team's sponsors, LG Electronics, SteelSeries, Googims, Coca-Cola, and NVidia.