http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=364720
SlayerS_Ryung
Source: This Is Game
You've made Code S 3 seasons in a row. How do you feel?
This season's Up/Downs was the most difficult and burdensome. I usually don't feel any kind of burden mentality wise during tournaments, but since we only had four players today, one loss meant that the chances of a rematch were that much higher. That's why I put my soul in to all my games.
There were five players originally but the number reduced down to four.
I initially thought it would be better since one person dropped out. But after thinking it through, I realized that the burden became heavier. Because you could drop out even though you performed well. So I decided to do even better than well.
What about when a group has six players?
Then it feels like you have a lot of lives left (laughs). If there are six players, you have a lot more chances so I think it is better. It's much more tiring but rather than being tiring physically it's more tiring mentally. Today, I felt a kind of nervous feeling I hadn't felt in a while.
In game one, you successfully just barely pulled off your cheese rush on Cloud Kingdom.
My control was not very good. A lot of people around me also say this. That's why I couldn't really push my advantage all the way to the high grounds. I tried out the cheese because I wanted to overcome this micro obstacle I keep facing but as expected, I faced a crisis thanks to my micro. But I was able to just barely win because my opponent got nervous. When his drone came in to my base, I suddenly remember July's Drone/Ling play back from the BW days.
You seemed to be putting a lot of effort in to early-mid game timing attacks today.
After studying my opponents' play styles, I realized that they all tended to be very laid back and non-aggressive. So I was aiming for that kind of scenario by exposing the late game but I just ended up winning it. I think my opponents made a lot of mistakes.
You fell out in the Ro16 in last season's Code S. It was probably your best result in Code S.
I think I got destroyed in a pretty embarrassing fashion last season. I lost pathetically in my first match against DRG, and I also lost pathetically against SuperNova. I felt really disappointed because there was so much I didn't get to show.
Do you feel good about this season?
I always feel good (laughs). I guess I do feel something different than what I normally feel. But even if I have a lot of confidence, I don't seem to be able to perform as well as I should be. If the heavens favor me, I might be able to grab the championship. I put in 50 and the heavens put in the other 50, that's what has to happen.
As of late, How did you spend your time?
After the MLG tournament I just completely rested. I didn't do anything but practice. That's why I got even more nervous today and felt something totally different today.
Anything else you would like to say?
I want to thank all the SlayerS Zergs that helped me with practice. I also want to thank Brown as well. Lastly, there is something I need to say. I really don't like MMA hyung these days. [I think his playing around has become a little too much (laughs). If he's feeling good he expresses that to me a lot. That's why it's tiring. He's a keyboard warrior.]
StarTale_Life
Source: This Is Game
For the first time ever, you made it to Code S. How do you feel right now?
I lost my first game in rather strange fashion so I'm not feeling that great. I could have defeated Ryung but I ended up losing so I'm angry at myself.
You were so sure that you would make it to Code S for season three. Why couldn't you keep your word?
I played around too much because I took it for granted. That's why after last season I practiced nothing but SC2.
Is your confidence still the same?
I think I can grab the championship this times. Since that zealot interview last time, my thoughts haven't changed.
Lately the champion Zergs seems to be struggling.
I think that's a problem because of skills and mistakes. Within the current balance, the only way to win is to be the better player. Protoss is a bit OP but I think the balance is overall really good right now.
You took quite a long break, so did were you able to progress your skills?
Ever since coming in to StarTale my skills have gotten much better. In the past, I only practiced through laddering but right now I have a lot of practice partners.
KeSPA players are doing really well right now. What are your thoughts on that?
After facing them on ladder, I believe that the KeSPA Zerg players are really good. I'm not quite sure about the other race players.
Do you want to face the KeSPA players?
I do want to face them but I haven't had the opportunity to yet. I really want to face By.Sun in Code S. I faced him when we did a (크로스 매치? Cross Match?) but I honestly didn't think he was playing like himself and he really sucked.
You said that you could win this season's Code S. Who is going to be the biggest challenge for you?
There really isn't anyone. Everyone's pretty much already there. And I'm also already there. Although, I don't think I can take down Squirtle. I think Squirtle could win it all.
If there was a certain form you wanted to show your fans for your Code S debut?
I really want to show my absolute best form (laughs).
Instead of NEXRa, should we call you StarRa now? (ZeNEXRa, StarTaleRa)
I would prefer it if my fans kept on calling me NEXRa. I don't have any other nickname anyways. I think a name like NEXRa just sounds good you know?
Anything else you would like to say?
I want to thank our sponsors Red Bull, BenQ, ZOWIE, and Joy Gear. I also want to thank everyone who helped me with practice.