![[image loading]](http://teamliquid.net/staff/pachi/xd/TSLworld_t.jpg)
In this edition:
- The News Spreads
- Gamer count reaching 1000
- 1.6 billion potential gamers eliminated
- Early leaders
- Technical Difficulties
- Interview with IdrA
- Replay Contest
Spread the News
Since 700 people refreshed TL at exactly the same time at zero hour, the word has gotten out about the league. Several StarCraft related websites in numerous languages have carried the news across the web. This publicity has caught the attention of some major esport players and there may be some great developments in the weeks ahead.
Check out coverage at these spots:
MYM.com
GG.net
sk-gaming.com
reps.ru
ingame.de
gameriot
Approaching 1000
The TSL admins were busy yesterday, approving more than 900 accounts for the TSL. Each account had to be confirmed manually, through IP and records before acceptance. It was only a registration bug that stemmed the tide of requests, and when registration is fixed on iCCup.com we fully expect a second wave of registrants.
There are a couple players I would like to honour with today's Determination award. They may be at the bottom of the rankings, but they are playing the game to have fun and participate in the TSL. Much respect!
Sorry China
Due to technical concerns with lag, we have decided that gamers with Chinese IPs will not be able to qualify for the TSL playoffs. You can read the full announcement here.
Early Leaders
Perhaps he got an inside scoop on the plans, but TL's own Chill blasted off to an early lead and a 15-1 record. He has now settled in to 17th place with an 18-1 record and will make up more ground as he continues to play.
At the top of the table a three way race is shaping up in the early going, with a member of each race making the C+ rank in 35 hours. XiaOzI, IdrA, and StaLife have all pulled ahead with impressive records. Obviously the training on TL Attack has helped immensly.
Here is a shot of the current standings at time of writing.
Technical Difficulties
The iCCup site has had some technical problems regarding registration. If you have been unable to register a new account, please be patient. The problem will be solved shortly.
+ Show Spoiler +
IdrA speaks, people listen
IdrA is currently in 3rd place on the qualifying ladder with a 34-3 start. I asked him a few quick questions.
You are kicking ass so far, has anyone given you a tough game?
Well I played through last night while the koreans were on, a few of them where pretty good. As far as other players in TSL Ive had a few close tvps where Ive had to comeback from losing my first army or two. One of those was vs TSL-Valentine, I dont rememer the others.
What is your pick for the ladder top 3?
It's hard to say since I expect alot of retired/inactive players to come back given the amount of money on the line, but they probably wont get back to top 3 right away anyway. I'd say the top 3 will be Draco, if he takes it seriously, Mondragon and myself. Xiaozi and iefnaij could end up there too, maybe a few other players im forgetting as well.
Any dark horses we should look out for?
I dont pay too much attention to up and coming players so im not really sure. One person who will do better than the community expects I think is Artosis, hes been playing a lot lately and I'd say theres a good chance he'll end up top 16.
What do you think about TL banning Chinese IPs?
I can see both sides of it. The lag issues are always annoying and they do decrease the quality of the games, but the chinese are also among (if not the) best players outside Korea and, based on skill, deserve spots in what looks to be the biggest non korean tournament in quite a while. For purely selfish reasons I like the decision because they are very, very good players and I like money.
Week 1 Replay Contest
Played a great game in the TSL? Beat up on a well known foreigner? Get raped silly by SuperiorWolf? Then enter the TSL replay contest. Send one replay to Manifesto7 via PM and explain why you deserve a spot in the weekly top 10. At the end of the first week of games, I will release a top ten list of replays who members will be adored by the community forever. Or at least until week two comes out.
Thats it for now. More updates will come in the days ahead.
Mani
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