[Interview] GSL 2013 Season 1 Up and Downs Group B

You have advanced to Code S for the fifth time in a row. How do you feel?

I wasn't supposed to be in Up and Downs in the first place. Code S is where I belong.

What made you think you belong in Code S

I believe in my own skill and my confidence is at an all time high.

How did you prepare once you saw your group?

Same as usual. Mostly on ladder and alongside Proleague at the same time.

Speaking of Proleague, is it not difficult to be in multiple leagues simultaneously?

Having to come to Seoul twice a week is physically draining

Why not move into the team house?

Personally, I don't like being around too many people. It's still easier to play from home.

Did you expect to come first in the group?

I expected at least second place. I expected either Squirtle or Dream to be the other player to make it out. Squirtle has always been good and after seeing Dream take out Rain, I predicted he would take second or third place. .

Almost all your games were macro oriented

I didn't feel the need to take a risk. I was confident that I could catch up even if I had a bad start.

You recently won some foreign tournaments. Your best result in GSL on the other hand is round of 4. You must want a championship

Yes and I want it to be this season since it's the last season for Wings of Liberty.Starting 2013 with a championship will make it easier to prepare for HotS.

Just like yourself, many see a lot of meaning in doing well this season. On the other hand, some are preparing for HotS so which are you?

HotS doesn't sit right with me. The other two races got fun toys to play with but Terran hasn't changed much at all. It's like the reaper is the only thing that did get buffed. TvT is even more annoying now. Widow mine is good in TvZ but useless in TvP. I guess the Medivac buff is helpful in that matchup.

Anything to add?

We face off against SKT1 tomorrow in Proleague. Please cheer me on as I try to take down Rain. I want to thank Twitch, Razer, theLittleappfactory and Barracuda for their sponsorships.

You have advanced to Code S for the fifth time in a row. How do you feel?.

This is the last season for Wings of Liberty so it means that much more to be back in Code S. I find the fact that this is the last season very meaningful.

Many players share that view

Winning the very last season is an attractive concept to all.

How did you prepare for today's group?

Rather than trying to figure out my opponents, I worked on my own play. I spent time improving my fundamentals and optimising builds.

Any memorable games from today?

The last game I played. I think it went well because I wasn't under any pressure and I had fun.

Since taking second place in GSL 2012 Season 2, you fell into a slump.

I think I lost motivation. I've always said that I would try to show my best but I'll let my games do the talking this time. I think I got lazy with practice as I got worse too. I've been working hard again since two weeks ago so a little bit more polishing should be enough to get me back into good shape. I think I'm close to being fully back.

Parting who represented your team alongside you as Protosses recently left the team

I was really taken aback since I had no idea he wanted to. Then again, it's understandable. Our team won't be in disarray or anything because of his departure. I was a bit saddened since Parting has been doing so well lately. I guess I'll just have to make up for his absence.

Is there anyone you think is a hindrance or want to take vengeance on?

Parting (laugh). The only time we played each other officialy was at WCG. I want to face him on a GSL stage. It's not because he left the team but because I want a fun match.

Anything to add?

I want to thank the spnosors Redbull and Zowie Gear. I also want to thank my team-mates who helped with practice.