[Interviews] 2012 S3 Code A

How do you feel after just narrowly defeating Seal?

After losing in the Up and Downs matches, my mind was really bothered. Not to mention after the most recent patch, it's been so difficult to win against Zergs in practice. I came to the GSL studio with no guarantees that I was going to win but my strategies played out well and that's why I think I was able to win.

Lately Zergs are really dominant but how were you able to practice?

I didn't necessarily practice just against Zergs. I just set my mind at peace and utilized that mindset. In order to avoid feeling stressed out I focused more on calming myself down rather than just practicing a lot. I practiced a lot on ladder with a peaceful mind and I think that worked really well for me.

You have been performing well in the GSTL. Did that follow you to Code A?

I'm doing well in the GSTL but my performance in foreign leagues is pretty bad. But even though I was worried about that, I was still able to make it to the Ro32 of Code A.

In game 1, you showed us a great performance with Immortals.

Today's games went really well for me. I played peacefully with no burden on me and I got positive results. Usually I tend to force field without really thinking about it, but today my force fields went off really well.

Reason for losing game 2?

Lately Zergs sweep through early-mid game with ease and macro way too well. If 15 minutes have passed and they just take their 3rd with no obstacles, then by then you can consider the game already lost. Even today, I wasn't able to do any early game harasses and that is why I lost.

Your next opponent is also a Zerg. Do you think you can win?

Now that I got through the first round of Code A. I think I'll be able to prepare for the next round with much more ease.

You must want to advance straight into Code S without having to face the Up and Down matches.

The road is too difficult. Even if I get past Curious there are going to be so many talented players waiting for me. I am just going to calmly play all my games.

SlayerS is doing well lately.

It's not as great as when we used to all make it into Code S, but there is no denying that we look good right now.

How confident are you in the next round of the GSTL?

Prime has a tons of great players but I feel like it willl be easier than going against MVP as long as we take down MarineKing. ByuN always asks me to practice with him so I think a Protoss on our team will be able to easily take him down. (laughs)

Any last words?

Thank you to Fnatic ByuL and Empire viOLet for helping me with practice. The build order I used to win in game 3 was taught to me by SlayerS Arthur so I want to thank him for that. We'll defeat Prime in GSTL and make sure to show a ton of great games.

You advanced to Round 2 and therefore secured your Code A spot.

I think I feel even happier than I should be because I overcame my own expectations. I kept losing to Zergs during my practice games and I wasn't coming up with any solutions so I was seriously contemplating using a 11-11. But my opponent is someone who scouts thoroughly in the early games so I gave up on that idea. But thankfully, I was able to win in the end.

Are TvZs really that difficult?

Maps like Metropolis, Antiga Shipyard, and Ohana were doable for winning against Zergs. But thanks to the patch, it's impossible to win against them now. If my opponent had been able to comfortably macro without any disturbances, he would've won. Thankfully, Monster decided to go for strategic builds so I was able to win.

How did you prepare for this?

During practices, I kept losing so I was feeling really down. I was really contemplating using a 11-11 for all three games. But then I decided to just leave it all up to God and played macro games. Thankfully, it all worked out.

Losing in the Up and Downs but have been big for you

During my practices, I was winning my TvTs so well that I honestly thought I would advance undefeated. But when I started my first game, I got really nervous. Because of that I lost badly and then that dreaded feeling just kept following me to games 2. And I hadn't prepared at all for game 3 so I lost. Last game I knew the result didn't matter so I played with a calm mindset and was able to grab a win.

Playing in the GSTL must have helped you out for Code A?

If I had gone into my Code A games without playing in the GSTL I think I would've just lost right then and there. But because I was able to secure several victories through the GSTL, I think that helped me out greatly.

Your next opponent is Creator.

I've played Creator before in tournaments so I think I'll be able to win as long as the maps are in my favor.

Do you think you'll make it to Code S?

I won today so I feel confident against vs Zergs. I'm going to practice hard and make it into Code S.

In the MLG qualifiers, you easily took down Protosses and Terrans but lost to a Zerg.

When I played against Squirtle hyung I felt like I wasn't going to lose any of my TvPs so I played with a calm mind. And against Mvp hyung I felt confident because I had beaten a lot of Terrans in the IPL qualifiers the other day.

Any last words?

I want to thank Bumblebee, CoCa, YuGiOh (and 2 other players I couldn't find) for practicing with me. Unfortunately today, Seal wasn't able to advance but I know he's a great player through our practices so I will be rooting for him to pass through the Code A qualifiers for next season.

Bomber qualified for the Ro32 after 3 rounds of difficult games, after the games Bomber said he blamed himself for not using ghosts, but if choice to go ravens in round 2 while having the advantage was a last resort (he didn't have a choice), because late game terran's only unit of choice is ravens (Bomber used BC's but the effect wasn't great). Other than that Bomber also says that the atmosphere with in Startale isn't good, but if everyone could preform normally then qualifying into the next round of GSTL shouldn't be too difficult.

Q: How does it feel to make into the code A after hard fought victories?
A: The second game I had clear advantages, but he came back against me. I regret not being able to smoothly qualify.

Q: Is TvZ very difficult?
A: If both sides play defensively then it's very hard, but terran does have a few strategies to use, so there needs to be further observation.
But the queen's range is 5, this is totally unacceptable. If this was changed the there could be a fair fight.

Q: Today your raven usage was very successful
A: In reality ravens aren't a useful unit type, especially because HSM's energy cost is too high, and it has many flaws. But because of the terran race's traits in the late game there is alot of excess gas, so I can only choose to make ravens. Terrans playing into the late game can only use ravens.

Q: Why didn't you use ghosts?
Not using ghosts was the reason I lost. During practice I never encountered this type of infestor push, it's a very scary strategy. But because I was well prepared for round 3 I wasn't too put off by it.

Q: The opponent is famous for infestor usage, did you predict that he would us infestors before the game?
A: My strategy is aimed at stopping infestors, even though I also studied other strategies, the emphasis is anti-infestor.

Q: The third match was won after a perfect hold against drop play
A: This type of drop-play was shown to my by Curious in practice, so I defended it perfectly.

Q: Last up-down match you lost, was it regretful?
A: After the up and downs ended I had to re-examine myself, especially the game against Curious I lost with proxy rax, it unsettled my psyche.

Q: Do you have confidence to make it back into Code S?
A: The next opponent is GuMiho, if I can defeat him then I have confidence of getting back into Code S, GuMiho has alot of varying strategies so it's difficult to prepare.

Q: In the GSTL your team is in the loser's brackte
A: Overall the atmosphere in our team isn't good, but as long as players perform normally I believe we can qualify.

Q: Last words?
A: Because the air conditioning broke, it made it very hot during practice. I'm very thankful for teammates who continued to help me practice under these conditions. Lastly I want to thank our sponsor.

On the first day of the Code A Ro48, MMA eliminated HongUn 2:0, after the match MMA expresses that the reasons for it could be that HongUn didn't prepare adequately, and that he's also recovering from a slump after IMmvp's 4 GSL wins motivated him, he hopes that everyone will see a new MMA in the latter half of the year. MMA also mentions previous GSL female commentator Lee ?(李贤珠).

Q: How does it feel to qualify for the second round of Code A?
A: I prepared quite well, but I felt that maybe HongUn didn't. (laugh) Maybe that lessened my stress and helped me perform better.

Q: The opponent used voidrays 2 games in a row.
A: Antiga Shipyard is not a good map for voidrays, but I saw that he was still using them, so I knew that he didn't prepare well enough.So the second game I also chose the safest strategy.

Note: HongUn retired after his games against MMA
http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=348002

Q: It's been almost 40 days without a win
A: It should have been some problems with my psyche. I should have adjusted it myself, but I never could fix it myself, it made me very conflicted. Last season I also only recovered my condition at the last portion, so I hope everyone can anticipate my performance in the latter half of 2012.

Q: How is your condition lately?
A: It's still in the process of recovery, just recently I still got mad at myself after finishing each game, now it's not as severe. The next opponent is HerO, I've recovering my condition slowly now, so I hope everyone can look forward to our encounter.

Q: Recently Zergs are very strong, what do you think of it
A: TvZ is honestly very difficult, I've been trying constantly to find a breakthrough, I think I need to continue trying to find a solution until the next patch.

Q: Till now you never had the experience of fighting back into Code S from Code A, do you have confidence this time?
A: I have confidence to make it back into Code S, alot happened recently, my mentality has grown alot stronger.
When Ryung came back from America he said he had a great mindset, but after losing at NASL I found that he reached a mental slump, now he doesn't even eat much. But I have confidence in my own psyche, Ryung used to sit next to me, because he was always telling me about his mental issues, which also affected my psyche, I hope that he doesn't do that in the future. (laugh)

Q: Recently MVP has gotten his 4th GSL championship, are you jealous?
A: It gave me a big emotional shock, but because he's a player with 4 GSL wins, I've found that recently he's under alot of pressure, so I hope he can do his best.
I also just wanted to play spectacular matches, but in the end I got into a slump. But now I've regained my confidence, so I believe I can recover my peak condition as quickly as possible.

Q: GSTL is starting soon too, can we anticipate your performance in the GSTL?
A: Everyone can look forward to it, our opponent is Prime. Besides me there are many teammates who have a good record against Prime, so I believe we can win. And not just in GSL, I also wish to achieve good records in the GSTL. I have a really good mentality right now.

Q: How are you planning for your foreign matches (schedule)?
A: Right now I have alot of major leagues I'm planning to attend. I used to tire myself out because my matches were planned to tightly. But recently because I played so few games I realized how fortunate it was to attend major tournaments. So as long as I have a chance I will attend every major tournament.

Q; Last words?
A: Thanks to BoxeR-hyung, SlayerS_Jessica, and the coaching staff. Today Jessica couldn't attend the live event because she's sick, I hope that she can recover soon. And thanks to the fans who've come to cheer for me on stage and all the players who helped me practice.
Because the match Lee-nuna (Previous female caster of the GSL) gave me an encouraging short letter, it made me remember that she still thinks about me. It made me very happy, I hope that she can come back (to GSL) soon.

Tell us how you feel advancing to Code A Round 2 after taking down Jookto

I was very concerned about the fact that I could drop to Code B after just one loss so I’m glad to have gotten over this hurdle and I’m now confident that I can return to Code S. My one regret is that I had to take down a dear friend and seeing how Jookto is now called “the second Nestea”, I hope he gets through the qualifiers soon.

It must have been a big shock for you to be eliminated in ro32 this season.

I had something I wanted to say in an interview. At the time, I don’t know the reason but it felt like I suddenly became the weakest player in the GSL. I suddenly became nervous and my hands weren’t moving like I wanted them to which was frustrating. However, it’s my own fault that I lost and all I want to do now is get back into Code S.

You tried a photon cannon rush in Set 2

It’s a Protoss’ natural instinct to want to end the game early if the opponent starts out greedily. I sent the probe around the back on purpose to hide it but got scouted by the drone. I think I got lucky after that.

How did you practise after being eliminated from Code S ro32?

I had a hard time mentally being eliminated in ro32 after getting as far as ro4 the season before. Still, I got back on track after preparing for various tournaments. I’m working hard to regain my confidence.

Who do you wish to face in round 2?

I don’t mind. I think MMA is the likely winner.

Some players of oGs, which you were part of, are having trouble finding teams.

Some have but the rest indeed are. I sincerely hope that they can settle down quickly but it’s a shame that they can’t. They are all exceptional players so I wish them the best in finding a great team.

Any advice for them as a player on a foreign team?

I don’t know much about foreign teams myself. I don’t have much experience moving teams so I’m not sure how I should advise them.

Anything to add?

I want to thank my sponsors theLittleAppFactory, Twtich TV and Razor as well as Nazgul, Bumbleebee and my teammates. I hope all ex-players of oGs find great teams. My father has been watching my games lately and giving me advice which has been a great help. I want to say thank you to my parents and my fans.

Your thoughts after a close match against theBest?

I really didn’t want to fall down to Code B. I wanted to win no matter what and to be advancing to round 2 instead of falling to Code B, I feel great.

You fell to Code A from the Up and Downs.

Practising at home, I think I wasn’t in the best possible condition going into the matches. Also, there were a few things bothering me so I knew that I probably wouldn’t advance to Code S.

The shock of being eliminated from Up and Downs must have been rather big.

After the matches, I realised that I needed to find a way to practise normally despite being teamless. I was very disappointed in how I played.

That can’t be easy for you seeing how you are staying at home

It’s definitely harder than staying at a training house. However, I stay in touch with my old teammates and know some others that I practise with.

How is the search for a new team going?

I am talking to a few teams. A decision hasn’t been made but I’m positive about how it’s going.

You lost the first Set today.

I left my house early since it’s a 1pm match. Since my house is so far from the studio, I was determined to win but died to an all-in in Set 1 (T/N: I don’t get what the distance between his house and the studio has to do with winning…) I was backed into a corner but I calmed myself down before the next set started.

What is the most difficult aspect about practising at home?

There are times when I’m in the mood for practice but I don’t have a partner. At times like that, I do image training in my head of the game and figure out different strategies.

Do you think you can get back to Code S?

I’m not sure. There’s a chance I may have to face theStC in round 2 so I’m worried. If that becomes the case, I’ll have one less practice partner.

Anything to add?

There are many ex-oGs players who have yet to find a team so I wish them the best in doing so. Apocalypse and Hoon helped a lot with practice so I want to say that I’m really grateful.

How do you feel advancing to round 2?

I’m so relieved to avoid Code B. I haven’t been playing well lately in practice so it’s fortunate that I am advancing to round 2.

This is your first win after joining your team.

I was really sorry to my team because I’ve lost all official matches since joining. I will win every single game from now on so watch out for me.

What do you think is the reason for your recent loss streak?

I haven’t practiced much since the disbanding of oGs because of some personal matters. I think my skill level has dropped considerably because of that. I have felt like I am regaining my skill so with a little bit more effort, I should be back in full force soon.

How are you spending time lately?

My ‘dong saeng’ (T/N: younger sibling) is attending school in Seoul so I’m staying with him. It’s quite confortable but it’s a bit hard getting used to practising alone. However, I’ve known for a while that I would have to practise alone so I’m working hard to adjust.

Didn’t you practise with the foreign players on your team?

I wanted to but they have tournaments to attend overseas so didn’t have much time. Apocalypse offered to practise with me and it was a great help.

How was today’s match?

I don’t think I made any major mistakes. I expected my opponent to make mistakes if I played aggressively and my prediction turned out to be correct.

Do you have confidence in returning to Code S?

My next opponent is forGG and I think as long as I beat him, I should go straight to Code S. I beat forGG last season on my way to Up and Downs so once I beat him, I should make it.

Many ex-oGs players are having trouble finding a new team.

It’s a shame. However, they are all hard working so I’m sure they will find teams soon.

Anything to add?

A childhood friend of mine lives overseas. And he told me the other day that he got into dentistry at Boston University. I want to take this opportunity to congratulate him.

Tell us how you feel advancing after beating the newcomer Ready.

I am relieved. I was really concerned because I’ve been in a slump lately.

What do you think is the reason for you slump?

My team tends have ups and downs and at the moment, we’re going through a tough time. However, once we’re out of that, we’ll do great so I hope everyone works hard.

Being eliminated in ro32 or Code S must have been tough.

I’ve been thinking about learning to enjoy the game and I wasn’t able to in ro32 which was a shame. I’ve been too nervous lately and stuffing up my games as a result. I believe it’s a matter of mentality and I’m working hard on overcoming this.

Preparing for an opponent who’s new can’t have been easy

I didn’t take it lightly. However I was confident since I recently beat Ready at MLG recently.

Weren’t you worried after dropping the first set?

I was too rushed. I was ahead in Set 1 as well as Set 2 but trying to end it too early led to me being backed into a corner. I think impatience is a problem for me. I should calmly play out long games but I drop games by trying to end them too early.

Are you confident about returning to Code S?

I think that I can always return to Code S once I get to Up and Downs. So I’m going to take GSTL more seriously. My team is being picked as the weaker team at the moment so I hope all my teammates work hard and win. I think doing well in the team league will lead to better performance in the individual league also.

Anything to add?

It was my father’s birthday a while ago. I want to congratulate my grandmother and great aunt as well as my father since their birthdays are coming up soon. I hope all my teammates work hard and win their games. I want to thank FXO and Razor for their sponsorship. Lastly, I want to say thank you to Daniel (T/N: Unstable?) who stayed at the teamhouse for 2 weeks and I know we only showed losses while he was there but I will make sure only to show wins from now on.