Kim Min-chul defeated Park Sang-hyun 4-2 in Match 2 of the Google Play ASL Season 22 semifinals held at FreecUP Studio in Daechi-dong, Seoul on October 6, advancing to the finals. Although he got off to an uneasy start by dropping the first two sets in a row, he went on to win all the remaining sets after taking set 3, achieving a four-game win streak after being down 0-2.
The following is the full text of Kim Min-chul's winner interview.
Q. How do you feel about reaching the finals for the first time in three seasons?
I went through a slump for a year. I am glad that I pulled my level back up and reached the finals once again.
Q. You started off by losing set 1 and set 2 in a row. Did that affect your mindset?
Strangely enough, my mindset shakes easily when playing at home, but that's not the case at the venue. It might look like my composure broke, but it didn't. I think I handle my mental state well at the venue.
Q. Was set 3 the turning point of today's series?
Winning set 3 definitely helped me gain momentum. I felt that I could win from then on, and my focus improved.
Q. When were you confident of victory?
When I won set 5, I felt I was almost there. I felt certain about what my opponent's build would be in the next set.
Q. In set 6, you chose to build an early Spawning Pool.
I expected my opponent to definitely go for a natural expansion. It worked out well.
Q. After winning four titles in a row, you went through a slump for over a year. Was there a specific reason?
Suddenly, I just didn't feel like playing StarCraft. As an atmosphere developed where my winning was taken for granted, the pressure grew immense, and I lost interest because of it. However, I have regained my passion now and worked hard. That's why I think I achieved a good result.
Q. Your chemistry with Kim Yoon-hwan stands out as well.
Yoon-hwan hyung prepared the builds for all seven sets today. Nothing good came to my mind, so I borrowed Yoon-hwan hyung's brain. Beside that, we discussed details together, making adjustments as we prepared. During breaks between sets, we kept in contact, which helped me stay focused mentally. Whenever I need help, I reach out to him, and he always helps as if it were his own match. We are also together in Star University, and thanks to him, it's always fun. I'm always extremely grateful to him.
Q. The finals will be held on an outdoor stage. You must be looking forward to it.
When I heard the finals were being held at the ice rink, I really wanted to go. It feels awesome to make it. I plan to enjoy myself after playing a match with no regrets.
Q. What set score do you predict for the finals?
My best-of series always seem to go long. I think it will end 4-2 or 4-3.
Q. Protoss was completely wiped out this season. From a Zerg player's perspective, that must have made things easier.
I haven't played against Protoss at all lately, so I forgot how to play ZvP. I think there should be Protoss players next season.
Q. Looking back at today's series, is there anything you regret?
I overthought things too much in sets 1 and 2. Because of that, the games didn't go well and I couldn't focus. I shouldn't overthink things.
Q. How do you plan to prepare for the finals against Yoo Young-jin?
I'm always confident in ZvT. I think I just need to prepare as I usually do. Yoo Young-jin is currently the best Terran player against Zerg. His fundamentals are solid, and he's a very skilled player.
Q. Any final words heading into the finals?
Because it's been so long, I got emotional after winning today. That's how excited I am. I will show a great performance.
