Going up against Team Liquid, the runner-ups of the IPL TAC3, is an intimidating endeavor, especially when they have the Terran prodigy TaeJa, who has been on fire as of late. But if there's anyone up for the challenge, it would be MVP, a Korean clan of top-tier talent. Both teams last met in round five of the IPL TAC3 loser bracket, where Liquid emerged victorious with a solid 5-3 win. Now Liquid and MVP are battling it out for a top spot in Group A of the Premier Division.
The Lineups
Team Liquid: • HayprO (Z) • HerO (P) • NonY (P) • Ret (Z) • Sheth (Z) • TaeJa (T) • TLO (Z) • Zenio (Z)
MVP: • DongRaeGu (Z) • Dream (T) • finale (Z) • Galaxy (Z) • KeeN (T) • Killer (P) • Lure (P) • Monster (Z) • Noblesse (T) • sC (T) • TAiLS (T) • Sniper (Z)
Potential Starters
Liquid: Zenio
Zenio is the epitome of standard macro, often playing safely and adaptively, making him a solid starter for Liquid. He vies for long macro games, relying heavily on thorough scouting in order to react to his opponents appropriately. Zenio was at the top of the IPL TAC3 leaderboard with a 8-5 record and an all-kill on Dignitas. He is again looking to produce strong results for his team in this season of the IPTL. While it's unlikely that he will ace MVP, he may start Liquid off with a strong lead.
MVP: Monster
Quite frankly, Monster is a monster. He is a seasoned Code A GSL player, and in the last IPL TAC3, he ended the season with a 5-0 record, having all-killed Evil Geniuses. Earlier this summer, he won the GIGABYTE ESPORTS LAN Invitational, defeating DeMusliM, Ryung, viOLet, and Sleep to win the gold. Monster is an all-around Zerg player, which makes him a strong starter for MVP.
Key Player(s)
Liquid: Ret, HerO
There's a reason why Ret is known as the king of drones: few can surpass him in macro. He values good mechanics, focusing largely on creep spread, unit upgrades, and a strong economy supported by a lot of drones. Like most Zergs, Ret's playstyle is adaptive, so he will put a good fight against any of the MVP players as long as he scouts well and reacts correctly.
HerO, the first Korean to join Liquid, is one of the most successful professional SC2 players in the scene. With multiple first place finishes to his name, including DreamHack Winter 2011 and the IPL Fight Club at Hot Import Nights, HerO really shines in high-caliber competition. Known for his versatile play style, refined micro, and multitasking skills, HerO will surely play a big role in the series. He can either further a lead, even up a deficit, or even close up the match as long as he gets over his nerves, which often hinder his performances.
MVP: Sniper, sC
Along with his teammate Monster, Sniper was at the top of the IPL TAC3 leaderboards, with a 7-2 record. Though he has yet to win a premier tournament, Sniper is experienced in team leagues and performs well for his clan. In the 2012 GSTL Season 2, Sniper performed a four-kill on Fnatic, a three-kill on SlayerS-EG, and another three-kill on TSL. Sniper will stay true to his name and most likely be used to snipe a Liquid player to either even up the series or further up a lead.
sC, one of the youngest players to find success in the GSL, is an all-around Terran player, known for aggressive opening timings (particularly against Zergs) and for taking early game advantages. His mid-game leans toward standard macro with an emphasis on constant aggression and multi-pronged attacks. He is a strong Code S player with a lot of experience against top-tier GSL players. He is a player Liquid should watch out for since he can be used to snipe their Zergs.
Team Ace
Liquid: TaeJa
TaeJa skyrocketed into stardom this summer thanks to his amazing performances in both individual and team leagues. Out of 113 participants, TaeJa was at the very top of the IPL TAC3 leaderboards with an incredible 23-3 record, boasting a 100% win-rate against Terran. In one season, he performed all-kills on both TAC2 champions Prime and the TAC3 champions LG-Incredible Miracle. With top-notch decision-making, immaculate micro, and mind-boggling multitasking skills, TaeJa is unquestionably one of the best players in the scene. He won ASUS ROG Summer 2012 over MC (4-1), the 2012 MLG Summer Arena, and has dominated ESV TV's Korean Weeklies. Much of Liquid's success rides on TaeJa's shoulders. If he brings his A-game, then MVP doesn't stand a chance.
MVP: DongRaeGu
Many regard DongRaeGu as the best Zerg player in the world, and it is for good reason. DongRaeGu won the 2011 DreamHack Valencia Invitational, Arena of Legends: The King of Kongs, and the 2012 MLG Spring Arena followed by the 2012 MLG Spring Championship. He also won the season one of the 2012 GSL over his teammate Genius and is a regular participant in the GSL. He is well-rounded in every stage of the game, focusing on strong map control, constant aggression, and intense macro. Without a doubt, DongRaeGu is the most decorated and most successful player on MVP and he will be used as the team ace for the series. It will be up to him to take down either HerO, TaeJa, or both.
Prediction: Liquid 5 > 4 MVP
It certainly will be a close series between the two powerhouses. MVP will put up a good fight and give Liquid a run for their money, but once TaeJa steps in, the series will be entirely in Liquid's favor.
Source : feeds[dot]ign[dot]com
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar