Q: This was a do-or-die match, and the pressure must have been immense. What was your mindset going into today's match?
Oner : I thought of this match as a bit like a guillotine, but we have a lot of experience with similar matches and have won many times, so I wasn't too worried. I came to the arena with the mindset that we had to win.
Q: Before today's match started, how confident were you about winning?
Oner : We have defeated DK many times and have rarely lost, so we were full of confidence. We also communicated during the BP meeting about quickly adjusting the BP, so I thought our chances of winning today were very high.
Q: Generally, teams prepare a lot for the first game. After losing the first game, did you quickly identify which parts of your preparation were wrong?
Oner : Although we prepared a lot for the first game, after losing it, we had the thought that "we can change our plans immediately" because we had prepared many plans beforehand. We played with the mindset that even if we lost the first game, we would immediately adopt other plans.
Q: Since the season isn't over yet, you probably can't tell us the specifics, but at that moment, what adjustments did you think were necessary to win?
Oner : Because many AP champions are appearing in the bot lane in the current version, and lane swap tactics are also being used, we thought those were the core champions. We thought a lot about this. In today's match, we focused a lot on mid-jungle synergy.
Q: Although you won today's match, what areas do you think could be improved?
Oner : I think the first wave of Scuttle Crab needs more important details. If we operated like before, we wouldn't be caught out so frequently. Now, we are getting caught out more often. If we can improve our vigilance, we should be able to show a better performance.
Q: I've interviewed players from many teams, and regardless of their position, they all say they feel pressured by lane swaps and the first wave of Scuttle Crab. What details do you think are necessary for the first wave of Scuttle Crab?
Oner : First, I think the additional value of the first wave of Scuttle Crab is very high and shouldn't be given to the opponent easily. The mid-top matchup is very important, and the support's level is also crucial, so there are many things to consider, hence the pressure. If we secure the first wave of Scuttle Crab, the subsequent operations become easier. So, I think the additional value of the Scuttle Crab is very high.
Q: Do you think the first wave of Scuttle Crab is more valuable than the first dragon?
Oner : Yes.
Q: Top-ranked teams, including T1, rate Maokai very highly, but today Maokai didn't win a single game. What do you think are the unique advantages of Maokai that ordinary people can't see?
Oner : Maokai's jungle clear speed is quite good, and he is very adept at positioning in small skirmishes and team fights, so many teams like Maokai. Although I think Maokai is a very good champion, there are also ways to counter him.
Q: Today you played Sejuani vs Maokai continuously. Since your debut, you must be tired of playing Sejuani vs Maokai. How confident are you in this matchup?
Oner : I have played too many games with Sejuani, so I know how Sejuani should play against other champions, and I am full of confidence. I haven't used Maokai much against Sejuani, but I have used Sejuani against Maokai many times, and generally, I can win.
Q: Oner had multiple successful ganks today, and the most impressive one was the early gank on LeBlanc in the third game, securing the first blood. How did you plan that gank?
Oner : Early on, I placed a ward at F6, so I knew where Maokai was starting his jungle. After seeing Maokai at F6, I noticed he seemed to place a ward in the mid lane bush, so I knew there were no wards in the upper jungle. The mid lane was also controlled, and since LeBlanc didn't have Flash, I felt it was a good opportunity. With all these factors combined, I went for the mid lane gank, and fortunately, it turned out well.
Q: With today's victory, you will face HLE again. Losing the previous match must have been disappointing. What changes do you think are necessary to take revenge on HLE?
Oner : A loss is a loss. We need to remember what we learned from the defeat and the mistakes made during the match, think about what we need to improve, and prepare our picks and bans well. We should be able to recreate the story of the Spring Split. I believe we can perform well in important matches, so as long as we manage our condition, we will be fine.
Q: HLE previously said they are very different from the Spring Split and are full of confidence. In contrast, does T1 have the confidence to recreate the story of the Spring Split?
Oner : We are full of confidence. Facing HLE, we don't have the feeling of "we can't win"; we just feel that we shouldn't play like we did. As long as we address those shortcomings, we can definitely defeat HLE.
