Q: Thoughts on the victory?
Keria : First of all, we prepared a lot for today's match because FOX has shown very impressive performances among the eastern teams. I am very happy to have won this match. Overall, this season has indeed been a very tough one, but during this process, we have made up for many shortcomings, so I am looking forward to the upcoming playoffs.
Q: What is the secret to your gradually improving performance?
Keria : Actually, we initially felt that the summer split version was not very suitable for us, but we persevered. However, our performance was not very ideal during this process. As the playoffs approached, we realized that it couldn't go on like this, so we made gradual adjustments and changes in the team. During this process of changing direction, our performance has also been gradually improving.
Q: Your performance in protecting Azir on the side lane was outstanding. Was this part of your plan?
Keria : This is actually similar to the strategy I mentioned earlier. When Azir faces Corki, Corki has a relatively easier time in the early laning phase. So the early strategy was to contain the opponent's support, by stalling both sides in the mid lane to waste time, which is more beneficial for us.
Q: Was your roaming against FOX pre-planned or a result of impromptu judgment?
Keria : Recently, when exchanging resources, many teams have been using this method of linkage, and in my opinion, FOX usually tends to concentrate resources on one side in such situations. So I thought that as long as we could stop them when they concentrated their resources, we could control the game more easily. In fact, by observing the map, we found that the opponent often showed this tendency, so we adopted this strategy.
Q: Why have you been particularly fond of buying Boots of Swiftness recently?
Keria : Before the nerf to boots, I usually chose Mercury's Treads or Ninja Tabi, but after the nerf, I felt that their cost-effectiveness was no longer as high. Now I choose Mercury's Treads based on the lineup, but overall, I think Boots of Swiftness are the best choice. Because now supports often need to assist mid lane or support jungle and side lanes, movement speed has become very important, and Boots of Swiftness are very cost-effective. Moreover, Boots of Swiftness are also very helpful in dealing with opponents, so I think these boots best match my style, which is why I choose them.
Q: Do you think the risk of Boots of Swiftness without defensive attributes can be overcome through personal play?
Keria : Indeed, when I choose Boots of Swiftness, my mindset is to avoid the opponent's skills, so I usually operate in this way.
Q: What was the reason for choosing Bard in the second game?
Keria : At that time, there were many choices, but to fit our tactical thinking, I thought Bard was the most suitable choice. The team also discussed it internally, and everyone felt that Bard was necessary, so I chose him. I know there is no Worlds champion skin, but I still tried to find it for 15 seconds and found that there really is no champion skin, which made me very regretful. I think if I could have played with the skin in this match, the effect might have been better, so I really regret it.
Q: What factors did you consider before using your ultimate?
Keria : The opponent's lineup includes Rakan, Sejuani, and Zeri. They have a lineup that needs to initiate a charge. Our lineup, on the other hand, gains an advantage as the battle drags on. Therefore, my strategy is not to initiate the fight but to lure the opponent into attacking first. When they charge in, we control them together, waste their skills, and then gain the upper hand by prolonging the battle. This has been our strategy throughout the match.
Q: What preparations do you have for the playoffs?
Keria : During the playoffs, the patch might change significantly, and teams that adapt to the changes will have the upper hand. From the changes we've seen so far, KT and we both adapt well to this patch. So, the key to victory in the coming week will be who prepares better. Considering KT has many players who excel in BO5 matches, we must stay focused throughout and strive for victory.
Q: You mentioned a version that both teams adapt to well, what specifically do you mean?
Keria : Although Bdd plays AD champions very well, he prefers mage champions. When he uses mages, he can exert significant influence on the side lanes and jungle. I think this patch suits him very well. Additionally, Pyosik is very good at using AD jungle champions; he is more comfortable with them compared to AP junglers. Therefore, I think this patch is also very favorable for them.
Q: Do you have anything to say to the fans?
Keria : As expected, this summer split has been full of ups and downs and challenges, but we have always performed well in the playoffs. This time, we are also making thorough preparations, so I believe we will perform well. I hope everyone can support us, and I look forward to seeing you at the arena.
