Iron Squid - Group D Preview

After two groups where the Protoss players could not advance, group D should be a better occasion for Aiur’s sons to shine. With the president himself and the world champion, this group is definitely Protoss heavy.

 

MC, forever president

In Iron Squid I, MC was only Korean Protoss in the tournament, and was therefore quickly burdened to carry all the hopes for the Protoss race in the tournament. After he dominated his group, MC was just one step away from Paris. But aLive was in his way and MC was unable to beat him. For the second chapter, MC really wants to do better. For such a showman, the 3500 spectators of the Palais des Congrès would be a perfect match. Although he has lacked consistency lately, the Boss Toss has still a fair chance in this group. He did not play his best in the GSL but managed to do quite well in the foreign events, often running deep into the competition. He currently is not the killer he used to be but LucifroN and J will still need to bring their A game to take him down.

 

J, his first time as a pro

He qualified for Iron Squid II as a member of the Fnatic Academy defeating players that were considered as favorites against him. His qualification was a performance that contributed to his promotion into the Fnatic’s Pro team. Trained by the now disbanded team oGs, J was a talent in the making at that point, which reached GSL several times. After some rough times without the support of a team, he is back in shape since he joined Fnatic. Qualifying for Iron Squid II was a real feat in itself but will need to play even better to advance from this group. The problem for the one who used to be called Luvsic on BroodWar is his ZvP, a match-up he does not do well in in Korea, which is a problem since MC and PartinG are in his group.

The face up

MC might have been facing difficulties against the top PvZ players in the world the late months, but he is still good in this match up. MC has a lot of experience and knows how to win in the GSL format. An experience that J lacks, but the Zerg has an advantage, he has a lot more studying material than MC does. Maybe J can find something to break the boss.

 

LucifroN, half Duran Duran

It rare enough to be worth being notified, LucifroN is in a major event without VortiX. The two brothers have been inseparable the last months, making big splashes in event all around the world. But just like in every fairy tale, their story has a curse and they are bond to face each other quite early in every tournament they enter. As VortiX failed to qualify through the European qualifier, LucifroN is sure he won’t play his brother and nemesis this time. Unfortunately, the opponents he has to face might be even fiercer than his own brother, he cannot catch a break. LucifroN is the only foreigner in this group, a situation once overcame by Scarlett, maybe the Spaniard can do it as well.

 

PartinG, the new sheriff in town

PartinG earned himself the nickname the “new MC”, which is a compliment since it refers to the time when the President was dominating. It also obviously refers to the very aggressive style of the StarTale Protoss. PartinG is on a rampage as he enters Iron Squid II, he just won BWC and WCG back to back before securing his GSL Code S spot. MC or not, PartinG is the favorite in this group and a contender to take the whole tournament. All the players will try to avoid him because he has been very scary in individual or team leagues lately.

The face up

Without any intention to kill the suspense, LucifroN will need a miracle to defeat a player as good as PartinG. The StarTale player has always been considered as one of the best PvT players, strong enough to be predicted to win against Mvp. Even if it did not bring him luck, it shows how much credit he receives from the StarCraft II analysts. Losing to LucifroN would really be an upset for the Protoss.

About advancing

No sad zealot should be mentioned in this group where the two Protoss players should advance. A match to decide who the real boss toss is is expected to take place as the group’s finals. There is no pressure on LucifroN and J’s shoulders. Although it would be an upset if one of those managed to advance, it would not be the first one in this second chapter of Iron Squid.