Code S Group D: Parting with Life

In the last Ro16 groups for this Code S, GSL prepared a special treat: a fight to the death between two of the greatest players inhabiting the scene.

In the micro intensive cosmos of ZvZ, the KeSPA-trained pupil of Samsung KHAN RorO flourished. From zergling micro, through crippling run-byes and to perfectly reading every timing attack of his opponents, RorO was unstoppable. After dealing with Ro32 sensation Bboong (who singlehandedly defeated both HyuN and Squirtle), the KHAN zerg proceeded to spank another tournament favorite – StarTale’s Life himself.

Counter-acting the spire play of Life with ground ling/roach or baneling attacks was almost comical as the champion of 2012 was forced to keep his flyers on a leash as to defend RorO’s infestation, while RorO himself grew bigger and bigger as the games went on. A mighty 70 supply lead for the KeSPA player wrapped up the series and Life was sent to the rubber match.

As the group featured a burning rivalry, it was only appropriate that it would end as it began. After striking a decisive 2-0 defeat to Parting with two timely hydra rushes, Life met the famed protoss once again, this time in the final match of the group.

A string of build orders reminiscent of the old days of SC2 was displayed to open the series. A weird 2-base colossus rush took Life by surprise and gave PartinG the lead, who in turn found himself on the receiving end of a 6-pool in game two. Despite deflecting the early ling pressure, PartinG’s decision to go into 4-gate ended disastrously and the score was tied.

It would all end with a spire play for Life, and a failed one to that. Despite finding enough nooks and crannies in PartinG’s defense to kill a bit over 20 probes, Life just could not end the game on the back of this tech. Once psi storm entered play and the ground army of PartinG moved out, the young zerg was checkmated, his spines and mutas helpless against the colossus/high templar combination.

This concludes the Ro16 of Code S and the playoff pairings are ready. Next Thursday the Code S resumes with Bogus vs Symbol, Curious vs PartinG, Soulkey vs Taeja and MC vs RorO.

Code S Ro16: Group D