2014 GSL Season 3 Interviews:
Code A Qualifiers
Code A Winners
Code S Ro32 Winners
Code S Ro16 Winners
Code S Ro4 Winners
2014 GSL Season 3 Grand Finals Winner
SK Telecom T1 soO
Source: inven eSports
How do you feel about advancing to the semi-finals four seasons in a row?
While I was preparing for my semi-final match, I asked my teammates who they thought would win and they all said that Zest would (laughs). Honestly, even from my own perspective I thought that making the finals four seasons in a row just made no sense. But since it did come true I am really glad.
You looked rather helpless in game one and two. What did you think about them?
I was able to show off the strategies I had prepared beforehand but Zest’s responses were just too good. And since the maps were in favor of Protoss, I actually anticipated a 0-2 start.
Whenever the games went into late game, your strategies got bolder and shone through.
While I was preparing for my semi-finals match, I prepared a strategy for each and every map. As it turned out, the later maps all had great strategies that I could initiate on (laughs).
Your hatchery rush on Merry Go Round for game six was really impressive. How did you prepare for it?
A Canadian player by the ID of ROOT.CatZ recommended that strategy to me. He strongly stated that the strategy could not be blocked even if the opponent knew about it.
You still looked rather helpless all the way up to game four. Where was the turning point for you?
I got the feeling that I was going to be able to win after I won the elimination race for game five on King Sejong Station. I was able to exhibit a lot more focus from then on.
Have you been influenced by the team’s recent roster changes?
I can’t say that there were none. But rather than pay attention to that, I just focused on practicing. The end result of that choice came out good so I’m happy.
Making the finals four times in a row is impressive. But what about grabbing second place four times in a row?
I was dumbfounded when I grabbed second place two seasons in a row. But after that third season, I was put in a state of disarray. Even right now I have no idea (laughs). All I can say is that I will do best.
Every match up until the finals was a ZvP. But now that you will be facing a Terran, has you chances of grabbing the championship increased?
I want to think of it as that way also but since there seems to be something there regarding me and second place, I don’t think race is all that important (laughs).
Who do you want to face in the finals?
I want to face INnoVation. I think the finals will be more fun if I go up against him and I want to face a big name player like him.
Today was your birthday. The fans gave you lots of gifts.
I am really grateful for that. I am so glad that I was able to advance into the finals. I will continue to work hard from here on out so I hope the fans won’t hold back their support for me.
With your finals advancement you have secured 3150 WCS points and you are now ranked 11th. You’ve pretty much secured your spot for the Global Finals but how do you feel about leaving tomorrow for DH Stockholm?
When I saw the roster of players participating in DH, I thought it was going to be difficult. But as long as I can maintain my current condition then I think I am more than capable of establishing a good result.
Anything else you would like to say?
I want to thank the fans for cheering me on. I want to thank my teammates ParalyzE and Classic, Samsung’s Hurricane, and CJ’s Hush for helping me with practice. And since it’s my birthday, I want to let my parents know that I love them.
SK Telecom T1 INnoVation
Source: inven eSports
How do you feel about advancing to the finals after a year and six months?
I am so glad that I was able to make it through since I haven’t been to a finals in a long time. I don’t really feel it but I am satisfied.
You prepared mostly mech for today. Did you come prepared beforehand?
I thought that mech was better than bio. I also thought that Cure wouldn’t be able to anticipate it.
What do you think would have happened if Cure had gone mech?
I practiced for mech vs mech as well but Cure mostly uses bio so I practiced a lot for going up against bio.
Cure’s resistance was incredible. What did you think about it?
I saw the finals match between Cure and Bomber during Red Bull Battle Grounds. So I expected Cure to use Bomber’s build orders but he was stronger than I thought. I had to go through struggles.
You’ve returned to a Korean team. We’re curious about how you feel regarding your return.
My reason for coming back was Proleague. I joined SKT because I felt that a Korean team suited me better for various parts.
Your chances of qualifying in the WCS Global Finals will be higher if you win the championship. Did you know?
I knew. That’s why I want to win the championship no matter what and advance to the Global Finals.
A team kill finals scenario came to be right after you joined SKT. What do you think about that?
I think that soO hyung is a really good Zerg. It is not possible to advance into a finals four times in a row without skill. I can’t help but think that various neck and neck victories will come out.
How’s the atmosphere at SKT?
I’ve only lived at the team house for a day. Also, some players have left for DH. So I can’t say for sure but I think it is going to be an excellent place.
A lot of people are saying that you will become SKT’s ace.
I would like for that to happen but I want all of us to do well so that we can establish a good result for Proleague. I don’t really have a desire to become the sole ace for the team.
You are teammates with Classic again. Is the feeling different?
Classic hyung keeps checking up on me. I wish he wouldn’t do that (laughs).
Anything else you would like to say?
It’s been a long time since I advanced into a finals. I want to thank my fans that kept on waiting on me. I will make it up to them by winning the championship for this season.
Methods to locating SC2 interviews:
- Go to the TL.net search bar and type in [Interview] and then search. You will find the most recent interviews at the top
- Go to the SC2 Interviews/Translation Archive
- Go to the liquipedia page for that player and look at the section titled "Interviews" http://wiki.teamliquid.net/starcraft2/PartinG#Interviews
- Go to the liquipedia page for that specific tournament and find this icon: If you click on that icon, it will take you to the interview for that group's match winners