THE DONG
Jaedong
"It will be a very crucial finals in my pro-gaming career"
'Tyrant' Jaedong (Hwaseung Oz) won the ticket to Shanghai.
In the Korean Air OSL Season2 Semi-Final A, Jaedong defeated Stork (Samsung Khan) with the set score of 3:2 and succeeded in reaching the finals. This is his first OSL final since winning the Bacchus OSL in 2009, 3 seasons ago.
Q&A:
Q: After one year, you've finally made it back to the OSL finals.
- Even though I'm very happy, it still feels a little strange. Since I'm in the finals now, I'm even hungrier for the title, so I've decided to cancel vacation time in order to practice. Honestly, I'd rather play the finals today and get it over with so that I can have a rest [T_T]. I haven't been playing well at all in recent finals, so I really want to win this OSL.
Q: How was life after the MSL finals loss?
- I wanted to forget about it and return to normal life but I was filled with so much regret. I remembered the fans and their expectations too. Also, I had to prepare for today's semi-finals match. It was hard to focus in practice. Moreover, my opponent today was Stork, the man who gave me the most ZvP losses. I'm glad that I won at the end.
Q: Your gameplay wasn't the best today [t/n: literally your competitive edge wasn't that good]
- I also think that this series didn't seem like it was played by me. I won the first match due to luck, then I lost the second and third matches, so I thought today might end up a failure. Usually during a match, I would never have any pessimistic thoughts like these, but today I just had that kind of feeling. But I thought of pleasing my fans, and I really wanted them to see me winning a title. To be honest, I did not play to my full ability today, that's why I wasn't that happy even though I had won.
+ Show Spoiler [Fomos: different Q, similar A] +
Q: Was there not enough time to practice?
- Even from my point of view, I wasn't on my game today. It wasn't my play, and I felt that several times during the matches. To be honest, I got really lucky the first game. Losing the second and third game made me feel that perhaps I will lose the series altogether, but then I thought of the fans. I was then able to focus better in games 4 and 5, envisioning myself winning at the finals and grasping perhaps the last opportunity for the OSL title. Still, it feels strange inside because I don't think I prepared as well as I should have.
- Even from my point of view, I wasn't on my game today. It wasn't my play, and I felt that several times during the matches. To be honest, I got really lucky the first game. Losing the second and third game made me feel that perhaps I will lose the series altogether, but then I thought of the fans. I was then able to focus better in games 4 and 5, envisioning myself winning at the finals and grasping perhaps the last opportunity for the OSL title. Still, it feels strange inside because I don't think I prepared as well as I should have.
Q: Do you want another "LeeSsangRok" for the OSL finals?
- Of course! I want Flash to reach the finals. Really, I am hoping for that to happen. I learned a lot from the recent MSL finals loss, and I also took the time to re-evaluate myself. The score of 2:3 may indicate a narrow loss, but I thought that I was definitely behind in many areas of the game. I must use this opportunity to become stronger and bring my momentum back up by winning at the OSL finals. It will be a very crucial finals in my pro-gaming career.
Q: Perhaps you're feeling insecure? [T/N: most likely referring to the fact that Flash seems to be dominating the rivalry and solidifying his position as #1 SCBW player in esports]
- I understand that I could be falling out [of the race for #1 spot]. [For me] losing to the same player in three straight finals is unacceptable. That's why I really want Flash to make it to the finals. I will play as if my life depended on it and win in the finals.
Q: Nobody has 4 OSL titles yet.
- I'm aware that If I win, I will be the first to do so. Sure that sounds great and it makes me want the title even more, but that has no meaning to me right now. I just want to pull up my momentum and pace.
Q: Compared to MSL, OSL maps are said to be slightly better for the zerg in ZvT.
- Maps don't matter too much. I don't have too many concerns or comments regarding the map pool. The maps weren't bad for both leagues anyway. I don't want to criticize or blame the maps.
Q: The finals will be in Shanghai
- Since the finals is overseas, I think many fans that live there will come. I'm worried that it'll feel more like a vacation than a finals match. Self-control will be necessary to prevent myself from getting too loose. Otherwise, there aren't any major concerns.
Q: Last words
- Many fans reached out to me after the MSL Finals last week. I may have lost [in the MSL Finals], but my passion and desire for winning are both as strong as ever. I will prove this to you next week in Shanghai, and to do that I will practice and prepare to the best of my ability. Thanks [to the fans] for all your concern and support.
Credits (along with apologies and thanks) to Kyuukyuu who completed first half of the interview before the nasty OpticalShot decided to translate too! xD
*Note: Some parts didn't overlap so I just included both.
Sources:
Fomos
Wfbrood
**Note: Few clarity-based edits made.