[Winner's Interview] SSL Group Ro16 - Group D

[Itembay] Choi Ho Sun (sSak), 'Jamsil gymnasium is a place I have bad memories from."



Former SK Telecom T1 player, Choi Ho Sun (sSak) took 1st place in Sonic's 8th Sonic Starleague in Group D and entered the Round of 8. With matches against other former progamers like Kim Ki Hoon (Lazy) and Yoon Chan Hee (Mong), Ssak says "I definitely want to reach the finals". For Ssak who has memories of losing a match at Jamsil Gymnasium, he mentions "The place where I held deep resentment within my progaming days, I want to release it all."


Q. How do you feel entering the Round of 8?
Ssak - I was worried because it was a tough group. I expected to move on through the Final Match, but I did better than my predictions.

Q. In your first Sonic Starleague sponsored by Itembay, you're doing very well.
Ssak - Since I practice at home, it was easier to get used to SC1 again.

Q. In your first match you played against Protoss. It seems your skills have increased more since your progaming days.
Ssak - After blocking his Reaver play I was calm, but I felt that Lazy believed that he was in a favorable position and became nervous at that thought. Because of my opponent's nervous play I won easily. In the past our team's Protosses were so strong that I didn't like to practice against them, but after practicing on the ladder for a long time it feels like playing against Protoss became easier.

Q. Your matches against Mong weren't easy.
Ssak - I didn't think I would lose. Even when the dropships came in the 3rd set, I was confident.

Q. In the 1st and 2nd game you were behind in build order but you caught up.
Ssak - I played against this yesterday luckily so I could block it. I could win because I practiced with former MBC progamer Kong Min Chan (Kkong).

Q. What do you think is the reason you lost in the 2nd set?
Ssak - My opponent prepared a better game plan on 'Fighting Spirit', that's all I can say.

Q. You chose a strategy with Wraiths in the 3rd set.
Ssak - Thinking I had the game won, I decided to make Wraiths as a ceremony. After Mong blocked my attack, I was a bit surprised though.

Q. The players that moved on are all tough. Is there any player you want to meet or avoid?
Ssak - Since I moved on as 1st in the group, I know I will meet one of the 2nd places. (But it was randomly picked by Kim Carrier live hehe) If I had to choose one, I want to play against Seomoon Jihoon (ZeLoT). If I just block ZeLoT's all-ins, I think I will have comfortable games.

Q. The Finals locations has been decided to be held at Jamsil Students Gymnasium.
Ssak - We had a Proleague finals at that place. When I played I lost a game where I had the advantage. I want to enter the finals and show a good performance.

Q. Any last words.
Ssak - Recently my girlfriend is under a lot of stress. I want to say that I'm supporting her all the way. I love you.

[Itembay] Goo Sung Hoon (HiyA), "I'm definitely reaching the finals."



As a former progamer and playing with the best of them, Goo Sung Hoon (HiyA) after some difficulty he rode the last train into the Round of 8 in the Itembay 8th Sonic Starleague. After losing the 1st set against Yoon Chan Hee (Mong), Hiya defeated Kim Ki Hoon (Lazy) and Mong and entered the Round of 8. Amongst the cream of the crop that has risen up to the Round of 8, Hiya will play against Protoss Park Soo Bum (Tyson). Saying confidently that he will beat anyone and enter the finals, we interviewed Hiya.


Q. You reached the Round of 8 with some difficulty.
Hiya - Even in the Round of 32 I lost my first match and went on shakily to enter the Round of 16. It was the same this time around.

Q. You lost to Mong in the 1st set. Did you figure out his play style?
Hiya - I played too conservatively. I know that Mong is a player that plays safe so I thought I would follow suit, but at that moment I got caught off guard by his rhythm.

Q. Against Lazy you showed us a perfect game planning.
Hiya - I felt that Lazy was very nervous. Lazy is also another player that prefers to play safe. When a Protoss uses a passive style it is easier to play against it. Additionally for him to be nervous, I thought anything that I could do would work.

Q. In your Final Match 1st set against Mong, his 2 Starport Wraiths did a toll on you. Your facial expression didn't look pleased.
Hiya - I crossed off 2 Starport Wraiths off of the list and when 2 Wraiths suddenly came to attack me I was surprised. After seeing the Tank reinforcement I thought that there won't be any more Wraiths on the way so I knew I still had a chance to win.

Q. It feels like you found your stride in the 2nd set.
Hiya - It was resolved in the Loser's Match or the 1st set in the Final Match. In 'Fighting Spirit' I believe I can win with anything.

Q. The Round of 8 match ups are magnificent. You're matched up with Tyson in the Round of 8.
Hiya - In this tournament I have to reach the finals. I feel confident in the Terran vs Protoss. If I practice hard it is definitely possible.

Q. What do you think about your Round of 8 opponent Tyson?
Hiya - Tyson plays a certain style that makes you underestimate him. Whenever you think 'Why is he so bad?' and then suddenly he attacks with full force. If I cover that area I can defeat him.

Q. Any last words.
Hiya - I had a poor record last season. This season I will try my hardest and enter the finals.