ave: "We're ready to roll"

You find yourself in Group C for WCG 2009, consisting of Virtus.pro, Power Gaming, Vatos Locos and Sequential. What is your opinion about your group?
 
I believe we got one of the most competitive groups at WCG. We need to be focused on all our matches or we can end up being out before we know it. A deal of our preparation for this tournament was to be prepared for the different maps against each team in the group stage, so we feel confident going into this one.
 
Virtus.pro have announced the departure of one member and will be forced to use their coach for the event. Is Power Gaming the biggest threat to claim the first place now?

Yes, I think that Power Gaming will be our toughest opponent in the group stage. They got a great mixture of talent and experience and I believe all of them have what it takes to win matches at international tournaments. I'm really looking forward to playing against them.
 
It will be the first international event for your two latest additions. How has the in schooling of the two new guys been and do they feel ready to enter the international competition?

It's been really fun and challenging to get ready for this tournament. Both of them have brought some new life and ideas to the team, so the schooling hasn't been in their direction only. The tactics and play style has seen to be pretty natural for them, maybe because they played kind of the same style in their previous team. I believe they play with a lot of confidence and I'm certain it will show at WCG.

Has the replacement of MJE and whimp made any difference to the mTw we all know, in terms of being more defensive, aggressive or do we see a totally new playing style?

I think we're pretty much the same. We might have some new perceptions of what tactics we like more, but the playing style is pretty much the same. Our CT-side might be a tad more aggressive now on some maps, but I'm still not sure yet since we haven't played matches with huge pressure yet. This upcoming tournament will define a great deal of our identity.

The last events you attended were the Danish WCG qualifier and SLAP LIVE #19, including KGC. It was shotly after after the replacement of MJE, bringing in minet. The team's performance was a bit shaky, but still you managed to not lose a single map. How is the performance of the team now, close to flawless?

It's still too early to tell. I don't believe you even can be close to flawless in a game like counter-strike. There are so many different situations and it's certain you're going to make mistakes, it's just about limiting it as much as possible. I do believe we're doing a good job in practice, but it's really the official stuff that determinates how you're performing.

Since your victories at the Danish WCG qualifier and SLAP LIVE #19, how have your preparations for WCG 2009 been?

We've been bootcamping at zonic's place for four days straight, right before we left for China, so we feel in tournament shape at this point.

While most of the other top teams have been attending the big international events, it has been some time since mTw attended a major one. Are there any positive things about being absent from the events this long? You have earlier stated that being the team to beat, everyone knows how you play. Is this an advantage for mTw, going into WCG 2009, that the teams do not have the same read on you guys?

Yes, I believe it gives you a slight advantage since people haven't got the same kind of feel for your game. I would've liked to attend the majors since I love competition, but given the circumstances I believe we chose the right solution. A month back we were not really sure about our team, but right now I feel like we're ready to roll.
 
In our interview with cArn, he stated that he kind of missed you guys on the tour. Have you missed fnatic?

Sure, we would've loved to be there! It's always awesome to compete and have fun. It feels like it's been forever since we last were at a real tournament, so I'm looking forward to meet and hang out with the other teams, especially fnatic :).

You have a title to defend this year, as you finished off on top of the 2008, defeating SK Gaming in a very intense Grand Final. How do you look at your chances to defend the title?

I actually don't think much about it's our title to defend. There has happened so much since last WCG, so for me it just feels like the next tournament. As far as our chances, I'm really confident we'll pass the group stage and do some damage in the playoffs. In WCG it's kind of random how soon you'll meet an international top team, but I really wish for some good game(s) against these.

You are playing in China, the country where you won one of your titles last year. Scandinavian teams every now and then have problems playing in Asian and against the domestic teams. How are you prepared to play Chinese teams on home soil?

We haven't done anything in particular to prepare for the Chinese teams. It's been our plan to prepare for the group stage and see where it takes us. If we were to play a Chinese team it would be a great priority not to let the environment affect us and just focus on the game.
 
Finishing top of your group will link you up with second place from Group H, being either Evil Geniuses or HellRaises in the round of 16. How do these teams fit your first match in the knockout stage?

Our group is pretty tough, so we don't take that first place for granted. If we should advance as first we would get to play one of two good teams, but it's within our expectations to beat either of them even though it won't be easy.

 
In the latter stages you are likely to face wNv.cn, Millenium or
FireGamers, depending how the groups finalize. How do you see your road to the Grand Final?

I haven't thought it through that far. I'll just approach it as it develops. The last few years there's been plenty of upsets, so I wouldn't be surprised if something else happens.
 
This could put you in a possible Grand Final against fnatic. cArn stated that he would love to steal the title in front of you in a Grand Final. How are you planning to deny them, should you both make it this far?

It's always exciting to play against fnatic, they're a great team. We have to play our best in order to win a final against them, and I believe cArn is really fired up for this one since it's kind of one of the only titles he is missing.