EHOME took a big hit when four players departed from their team to join other Chinese teams. Currently only LaNm is left. It is the consequence of a somewhat poor performance during the International 2 in Seattle, as they only placed sixth. There are several rumours about possible additions to EHOME's roster, but for now the future remains uncertain.
When asked why he retired, former EHOME player Zou '820' Yitian replied: "It’s too tiring. After so many years of pro-gaming, it’s become wearying; I really needed to take a rest. Now that I’ve become a caster, it’s more of just purely enjoying the games."
Note: This interview was conducted before Chan officially replaced Awoke in TongFu.
Excerpt from the interview by It's Gosu.com:
It's Gosu:The only team that managed to compete with them is the Ukrainian powerhouse of Natus Vincere. They were the only team to defeat the Chinese such as Invictus Gaming, TongFu, Team DK and LGD Gaming. What do you think are the reasons Na`Vi are on par with the finest Chinese teams?
820:Na`vi's mentality and experience with LAN events are incredibly amazing. And Na`vi’s growth during LANs is crucial. If everyone paid attention to Na`vi’s performance as the play days progress, we all can see that they are indeed improving throughout the competition.
Chinese teams went far in the tournament using the same heroes/strategy in most of their games. The best example is LGD Gaming that went undefeated until the final of the winner’s bracket using Anti-Mage, Chaos Knight, Invoker, Leschrac, Morphling or even Shadow Shaman most of the time. Do you think that Chinese’s lack of innovation and creativity is their biggest weakness?
820:Lack of creativity has always been a weakness of all Chinese teams, but there’s nothing anyone can do, especially in a tournament with such big prize pool. No Chinese teams would risk that for new ideas. Chinese teams are more concerned with defeating opponents with solid skills; not secret strategies.
[...]
As I mentioned earlier, a lot of teams changed their roster including your former team, EHOME. Only one player represents the team right now, LaNm. What led to this disaster?
820:The main reason is still because EHOME’s poor performance during TI2 and coincidentally other teams are trying to acquire players from EHOME. The salary and other conditions are all better than what EHOME can offer; if it was me, I think I could consider the offer as well. It’s normal.
[...]
It is rumored that Chan from World Elite may join TongFu. Do you have any comments?
820:I haven’t heard about the rumour. Chan is a player with potential; he needs a leader to bring the best out of him. That’s what WE lacked.
It's Gosu:The only team that managed to compete with them is the Ukrainian powerhouse of Natus Vincere. They were the only team to defeat the Chinese such as Invictus Gaming, TongFu, Team DK and LGD Gaming. What do you think are the reasons Na`Vi are on par with the finest Chinese teams?
820:Na`vi's mentality and experience with LAN events are incredibly amazing. And Na`vi’s growth during LANs is crucial. If everyone paid attention to Na`vi’s performance as the play days progress, we all can see that they are indeed improving throughout the competition.
Chinese teams went far in the tournament using the same heroes/strategy in most of their games. The best example is LGD Gaming that went undefeated until the final of the winner’s bracket using Anti-Mage, Chaos Knight, Invoker, Leschrac, Morphling or even Shadow Shaman most of the time. Do you think that Chinese’s lack of innovation and creativity is their biggest weakness?
820:Lack of creativity has always been a weakness of all Chinese teams, but there’s nothing anyone can do, especially in a tournament with such big prize pool. No Chinese teams would risk that for new ideas. Chinese teams are more concerned with defeating opponents with solid skills; not secret strategies.
[...]
As I mentioned earlier, a lot of teams changed their roster including your former team, EHOME. Only one player represents the team right now, LaNm. What led to this disaster?
820:The main reason is still because EHOME’s poor performance during TI2 and coincidentally other teams are trying to acquire players from EHOME. The salary and other conditions are all better than what EHOME can offer; if it was me, I think I could consider the offer as well. It’s normal.
[...]
It is rumored that Chan from World Elite may join TongFu. Do you have any comments?
820:I haven’t heard about the rumour. Chan is a player with potential; he needs a leader to bring the best out of him. That’s what WE lacked.
Source: It's Gosu