WCS Europe returns after a thrilling weekend in Stockholm only to see a pair of Terrans in Strelok and Thorzain advance to the Ro16, for which Ret and Titan paid with their lives.
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Strelok, meching to the 4-0
Eager to prove that his good form during DreamHack Stockholm was not a random flick, Strelok entered WCS Europe with steel, machinery and heavy metal jabs.
In all four games Strelok played today, it was evident that the Ukrainian Terran had practiced mech compositions a lot and had truly perfected them for the purpose of WCS EU. Ret was his opponent in the opening series and Strelok approached it patiently and with a terrifying attention to every detail such as when to move out, when to position himself, when to attack and when to run to make the best of his expensive but cost efficient army. Just a single time was he on the brink of defeat as he faced a troublesome viper/ultralisk combo but by keeping his cool and baiting Ret into a bottleneck engagement, Strelok easily found victory.
A manic series between him and Thorzain followed. The Swede had just slapped down Titan in the previous match and was looking forward to add another Eastern European head to his collection but Na`Vi’s recruit had other things to say.
A 40+ minute game on Newkirk Precinct opened the series, featuring a classic mech vs bio/tank face off. Thorzain used his mobility to limit the economical dash of Strelok but as Ukrainian’s defenses tightened, Thorzain found it extremely difficult to either harass efficiently or battle the mech straight on. Thus, a base race ensued during which Strelok handled his heavy composition magnificently. Always on the move with his main army and with non-stop hellbat drops, Strelok pincered Thorzain into a 2-0 loss, not giving him any room to breathe.
The solid mech play appeared a fourth time and once again it was unstoppable. From the very technical tank/raven/Viking/widow mine 2-base push to the incinerating hellbat drops and to the battering armada, Strelok’s play was exquisite and flawless and deservedly awarded him with a 4-0.
The night is dark and full of Terrans
All throughout the day it was crystal clear that Thorzain was not in his best shape: there were glimpses of his former self, certainly, but a couple of foolish engagements and bad decisions made him walk a much thornier path that he’d ideally liked.
Ultimately, Thorzain’s survival came down to two series with Rox.Kis’ Protoss Titan. After Strelok’s trampling run through the group, the Russian was looking to make for a full Eastern European victory but to his misfortune, the Swede proved to be too much of an obstacle both times. Whenever he wasn’t losing by running foolishly into nexus cannons or blink stalker timings, Thorzain played it out very crisply. Standard macro plays alternated with cheesy proxy hellion drop openings and although there were many moments when it would seem Titan will hold on and get ahead, he would always eventually crumble to Thorzain’s pressure.
Ret and Titan eliminated
The above results meant the end of Titan and Ret in the premier league, finishing on third and fourth spot, respectively. The two still found time to play an exciting series between them, though, and should you have time be sure to check out their battle on Whirlwind - a cannon rush going against a nydus/swarm host opening is never a recipe for boredom.
