Source: This Is Game
How do you feel about making it back to Code S after three seasons?
After spending two seasons just wandering around in Code A I learned the importance of being in Code S. Since I kept walking around in Code A I seem to have lost a lot of interest from my Korean fans. I realized that If you're a gamer, you have to be in Code S no matter what. Code A is no different from the preliminaries themselves.
What was the reason for your poor performances?
I think it's because I was lacking in skill. I also don't think I really took care of myself that well. If I want to win in tournaments I need to keep myself in good condition but I wasn't able to do that. That's why I think I kept making all these really close calls. However, if you look at the case of MC, he attends a foreign tournaments and does well in GSLs so I really don't think I have any kind of excuse.
After seeing your group for Up/Downs what did you think?
I was glad that I got a five man group. Out of all my experiences with Up/Down groups, this was the first time I performed in a a five man group. Since there are so many skilled players in these Up/Down groups, I pretty much consider every group a "Group of Death."
You had to play the series with a loss in your first game.
I kept thinking to myself how heavy the weight of game one was. So I practiced heavily for TvZs but I lost in game one so I became flustered afterwards. I thought it was going to be a difficult road but I'm glad that I won like this.
In the last game, you tried a triple CC strategy.
This was a strategy I decided to do after watching KeeN vs jjkaji. That game had a huge influence on my victory.
How do you feel after playing against MaNa?
He's a Protoss player who has won a tournament before so I was really nervous. I played my game while considering him like a Korean player and not a foreign player. Personally, I think it'd be great if Code S had a lot of foreign players so I want MaNa to advance.
The negotiations got resolved and now KeSPA player will participate in the GSL preliminaries.
Since we have different kinds of opponents available now the it seems like the fans are more involved with the GSL preliminaries so I am watching with a positive thought. I just wish people would refrain from all this extreme blaming on each other. Both sides are working as hard as they can so I would like for the fans to keep cheering for us. If I get the chance, I was to face the players from TaekBangLeeSang.
With another second place finish in WCS, it seems Squirtle is establishing a new "Kong Line."
It's not a good name for him to have. As the way I see it right now, since we have three players in WCS Asia, we have a great chance of winning the whole thing.
What are you prepared to get done this season?
The most important tournament is the GSL. With the thought of this being my first ever Code S I will do my absolute best.
Anything else you would like to say?
I want to thank our sponsors Red Bull, ZOWIE Gear, BenQ, and Joy Gear. I want to thank my teammates for helping me with practice.
mouzCC.MaNa
Source: This Is Game
Original Interview by TIG
+ Show Spoiler +
How do you feel about your first ever debut in Korea?
I'm a badass bro. I'm the alpha and the omega. I'm the motha flipping juggernaut. I'm the foreign dictator bitch. I'm a jive turkey sucking bad brotha from anotha motha. 'Nuff said son.. 'nuff said
Follow up interview by TIG because Korean neitzens were like "the f*** is this shit?"
+ Show Spoiler +
How do you feel about your first ever Code S qualification?
I feel really good. After winning my first two games I realized that my chance to enter in to Code S got higher so I got excited. I think this tournament meant a lot to not only me, but to the foreign fans as well.
You got your first ever seed for the Up/Downs.
GSL was a tournament I really wanted to try out so I thought to myself "this was finally my shot". I tol myself that I had to show a great performance.
How did you feel after seeing who was in you group?
After seeing who was in my group, I thought that it was going to be a difficult road. I've been losing a lot in my practices recently so I was really worried but luck was on my side today so I was able to make it.
What was the most tiring or memorable game today?
All my games were tiring. Against KeeN, it was a base race and not a normal game so I will remember it, and I made a comeback in game two so it was riveting. I lost so miserably in game three so it was a real shame.
With Bomber's win, you went up to Code S without any need for re-games.
I want to let him know that I'm really grateful. I was in a situation where if Bomber won I was going to advance, so I was praying and my prayer worked. If I get the chance to I would really like to repay Bomber back (laughs).
If you wanted to introduce your style of play to the Korean fans?
Regarding PvZs and PvTs, I tend to play a defensive style. Regarding PvPs, I'm the exact opposite and play aggressive. I tend to play long macro games while playing patiently as I wait for my opponent to make a mistake.
Is there anyone you would like to face in Code S?
During DreamHack, MC joked that I would never be able to defeat him. So in order to get my revenge, I want to face him at least once.
How do you practice usually?
In Europe, I would play with my friends and the famous European players, in Korea I would practice through ladder. But I think starting from today, I could start practicing with the Korean pros.
What are your goals for this season?
Just like any other player, my goal is to win the championship. But realistically, that is going to be really difficult so just remaining in Code S will be my goal. Since I'm having such a great time in Korea, I want to remain in Korea if I can get permission for it.
Anything else you would like to say?
I would like tor request from my fans that they cheer a lot for me. I want to thank our sponsors Medion, RAZER, mousesports, CardCoaches, GEIL, Intel, and THORTECH.