TongFu has been recently dominating scene, advancing through the grand finals to challenge DK for the DSL League title. SGamer interviews their captain, TongFu.Hao to talk about his team's performance, the importance of a coach and the Dota 2 scene in general.
Thank you for accepting our interview, you are about to play in the DSL grand final, how do you feel right now?
Currently we are in a very good condition because these days our training has been going pretty smooth, but there are still 3 more days until the competition. Not sure about then though.
Recently is training as per usual or have you guys perform a certain focused training?
Recently our training is more or less the same, the only difference is we trained with many different heroes and different styles to use during the competition.
Have you guys found a way to handle/counter DK's playstyle?
We have been studying specific play-styles to counter but it has to wait until during the match to know if it is successful.
What are the odds do you think you can win in your current state?
This is difficult to say, because DK is a veteran team, we have to play to know. If I have to say however, 50% chance to win.
A lot of players liked you because your nickname is "cut-hand Hao". Currently, do you still have the attitude and bravery of "if I don't win, I'll cut my hand"?
In reality, at that time I haven't started having an actual job and just being a normal gamer. I would follow my friends to play LAN tournaments in Guang Zhou. At that time there was a high school league which I participated with a couple of my friends, but because we weren't considered students, we were then reported. This person before the game was flaming on the forums. At that time, as the GuangZhou LAN tournament, if I don't win the title, I will cut my hand. But it was mistaken as a television league tournament, an accident.
If you manage to win the title, what is your little wish to accomplish aside it?
Claiming the title is my dream, but my goal does not only include DSL's title.
What is your goal?
My goal is of course to win more titles *laughs*
There are more teams who are starting to build their own coach team. How would you evaluate your coach? Also, do you think the presence of coach is more and more important?
My thought on my coach is very certain. Why do I say that? Because he is a very dedicated person towards his work, BP, and all the team's play-style. He uses his notebook to keep these notes. Also when we lose a game, he would tell use to not be discouraged, there are always opportunities. He would heal our hearts and analyze and explain why we lost the games. Whenever we win however, he would always remind us to not be too proud, do not be too relax and to maintain our state. I really feel the presence of a coach is important.
After playing for 3-4 years, participating in dozens of big and small tournaments, how do you evaluate DSL League?
DSL can be considered to have the highest prizepool within the nation. Also there is official support, therefore a better coverage and treatment towards the players as well. The tournaments hosted by FengYun has been very professional, this one is no exception. Of course, my favourite is the game commentary. *laughs*
Do you like the national dress dubbing?
It isn't too bad, some were very friendly, some were very funny.
At the moment it seems that majority of the Dota 2 professional players are all old faces, there are less newcomers. Why do you think this is happening? In your case, do you hate new players?
I think this is probably because Dota 2 is not as easy as LoL to begin with. Majority of the people still rely on years and years of experience to play. I prefer not to play with new players. The reason is very simple, I do not want to waste time and ruin my mood.
Naturally, the older players will retire. Will this eventually lead to the decline in the strength of the Chinese Dota 2 scene?
I don't think so, the topic is better left untouched.
Do you think TongFu is the strongest team in history?
I do not think so. There are 2 reasons. First, we haven't won a title to our name therefore cannot strengthen our self-confidence. Second, our previous roster was alright, but we lacked understanding and trust. We will know the strongest team after the 6th of July *laughs*
Lastly, anything you wish to say to end the interview?
I have a lot of words to say but am not qualified to say yet, wait until I win the title. I will then say on the podium! Finally, I would like to thank our sponsors, TongFu Rice Bowl: A human truth, brings a blessing of a bowl of porridge! (Editor's note: TongFu's slogan)
