Here is the top 2 at the moment:
#1 ToT.Mondragon 50 - 2 7108
#2 TSL.IdrA 58 - 10 7104
Hi Mondragon! Name, age and nationality please.
Mondi: As most of you guys know, I am Christoph Semke, 21 years old and from Germany.
One minute ago you took the #1 spot on our TSL qualification ladder. Do you feel safe there?
Mondi: No, I don't feel safe there at all. People are playing so much and it will change sooner or later again and I don't care about the #1 spot. I just want to finish top 16 at the end of the ladder season.
It seems like you have a clear goal. How hard will it be to reach it? Did you already have to surpass some difficulties?
Mondi: No, everything going smoothly so far. I decided to concentrate on only playing against foreigners since in my opinion it is now kinda useless to try my luck against Koreans, who beat me badly and would only make me lose points in the end. So I think I'll stick to play foreigners only, since the aim is to get top 16 and not to get owned by Koreans.
I know it's still early in the ladder, but do you have any predictions for the top 5 of the ladder?
Mondi: Uhh... that's kind of impossible to predict I think. It's mostly about massgaming in my opinion.
Though, once the top 16 goes into the A ranks, massgaming doesn't matter that much anymore and it's purely about skill. Will this not affect some of the current top 48?
Mondi: Lets say it this way. In the end skills + activity counts. And I am convinced that the best players will gather theirselves in the top 48 no matter what. The ladder qualification is a fair system.
What got you so motivated to already play 52 games in this event? You're notorious for your frowning upon mass gaming and practicing.
Mondi: Oh well, I still got my university break until 14th April so I got a lot of time to play, and nice cash prizes are always motivating to play. So here I go ...
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Any words on the format and the organization? Are you excited to be a part of this?
The event itself is damn awesome. The format is something new and I really like it. I'm always in for some changes and new systems. I really appreciate all the work of TeamLiquid.net for such an amazing event. Thanks.
Do you think TSL brings the foreigner scene a step closer to professionalization?
Mondi: Of course, any sponsored event with a good organisation brings the scene closer to professionalization. And I speak for everyone, we really appreciate it
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Ok, I can't resist it. Last question: TSL or GGSL?
Mondi: This is a rhetorical question
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Thanks for the interview and good luck with the rest of the tournament!
Mondragon gave me a replay of his TSL game vs Nony, which he claims was a very good game in which he really had to 'macro his ass off' to quote him.
Replay: ToT.Mondragon vs TSL-Nony