EPTAfter I was knocked out in the Starleague, I was able to focus.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/qzi9iyA.jpg)
Parting was able to beat “Ultimate Weapon” Flash and progress to the Round of 8.
On the 29th of September at the GOM TV studios in Gangnam, Parting (of team SK Telecon) defeated Maru (of team Prime) and Flash (of team KT Rolster) 2:1 in the WCS KR Premier League Ro16 Group D, and qualified in first place.
You defeated two Terrans and qualified for the Round of 8. How do you feel?
At the group selection, I provoked both Flash and Maru. I expected both to come fully prepared. When I played Flash, I felt that he was not an easy opponent. I expected a tough series, and I won from behind in the last map. I feel really happy.
Why did you provoke them at the group selection?
I thought that I would be comfortable against Flash’s style. I said that because I think he has a tough time coping with High Templar. The first map was easy, but I felt a bit anxious after I lost the second map. The third map wasn’t easy either, but I didn’t give up and kept my concentration until the end.
If you win one more time, you’ll be in the season finals.
After today’s victory, I’ll have 1300 WCS points. I’ll be equal with soO, and now we’re meeting in the Round of 8 (laughter). We’re both ambitious, so I think it’ll be the player that wants it more will win. Regardless of who wins, I’d like it if the winner was able to be the winner of the season.
In the first map against Flash, you showed us bold play.
A player that recently joined us, Classic, is really good at this type of play. Usually I build Colossus before I go in to High Templar but after seeing Classic play, I was able to learn and claim it. I think I’ll have to repay him in a big way in the future.
Of course, Rain also said that he got help from Classic.
He’s adapting well. Compared to me, I think he’s quite reserved so I’d like to see him be a bit more animated. He’s on the quiet side, so he’s hard to approach (laughter)
I think you’ll be ambitious, as the first winner of the WCS.
The first goal is to win the national title, but of course I want to win at the global WCS as well. In order to meet my goals, I’m really practicing like a madman. Lately, I’ve really improved my PvZ and I’d like you to raise your expectations for my PvZ as much as I’ve improved my play.
Anything you’d like to add?
After I was knocked out in the Starleague, I was able to focus. I’m really practicing hard. Only now do I feel like I’m seeing the results of that practice. I'm in the finals of a tournament in China called Stars War, and I will beat HerO and take victory. Lately, fans have told me that I’m weak against Zergs but through this Round of 8, I’m going to show a proper version of myself. I would really like it if you watched out for me in the Round of 8. Although the mood in the team used to be good, it’s gotten even better since our Coach (iloveoov) arrived. I want to thank the coach and I’d like it if a lot of people were able to see me in a new light through my matches.
Maru – “I was confident that I could hold”
If I can win in the Round of 8, I think it can look toward winning the whole thing.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/rLWH37n.jpg)
Maru defeated Flash in order to progress through to the Round of 8, second place in the group.
On the 29th of September at the GOM TV studios in Gangnam, Maru (of team Prime) defeated Flash (of team KT Rolster) in the last match of the day 2:1 in the WCS KR Premier League Ro16 Group D, and became the last entrant in to the Round of 8.
You are the last person to qualify for the Round of 8. How does it feel?
In the match against Parting, I could have won if I had played more steadily. I wish I had on the first series, but I’m happy that I qualified.
Every series went the full 3 maps. Did you anticipate that being the case?
I didn’t think much about it. Like normal, I practiced with an emphasis on the ladder. I didn’t feel any pressure, despite being the winner of the last season. I’m trying to approach the game in an extremely relaxed state.
In the last map you used an extremely decisive strategy. After proxy reapers, you built 2 command centres consecutively.
I thought that Flash had expanded. So, it order to catch up I built expansions (laughter). Even if there was an attack, I was confident I could win as long as I had siege tanks out.
The three commentators praised your decisive play.
I think playing freely without feeling pressure produces these kinds of strategies.
In the Round of 8, you’ll be facing Jjakji. Are you confident?
Compared to the other mirror matchups, I think TvT is more comfortable. Even though the build-order war can be strenuous, I think it’s ok to think of it comfortably. I think since I’m usually the one executing my strategy first, I think that gives me an advantage.
Do you feel confident to win this season?
I don’t know yet. If I win in the Round of 8, I think it’ll be possible.
If you were to rate yourself today?
About 80%. My hands weren’t warmed up that well.
Anything you’d like to add?
I just want to thank all the players that helped me practice.
