Jee: "Our mentality was not right after FPG 1"

TYLOO's AWPer is hoping to make a stage appearance in his hometown.

Since their title-winning campaign at FISSURE Playground 1, TYLOO have struggled to come close to replicating their result at the Serbian event, racking up early exits at IEM Cologne, EWC, and FISSURE Playground 2.

Now, TYLOO are in Shanghai for the CS Asia Championships, the first of three back-to-back East Asian events for Jingxiang "⁠Mercury⁠" Wang's men. TYLOO will follow up their CAC outing with an appearance at IEM Chengdu, before heading over to Hong Kong for BLAST Rivals Season 2.

Ahead of the start of his team's CAC campaign, Dongkai "⁠Jee⁠" Ji spoke with HLTV regarding TYLOO's recent results, his thoughts on playing the trio of East Asian events, and the team's opening match against Fluxo.

This interview was conducted with the help of a Mandarin-speaking translator.

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First big Chinese event of the year for you guys, how does it feel to be here?

I feel excited, because I was born in Shanghai, so it's very special for me. I feel excited and happy! My goal is to make the playoffs.

You guys did just have another small appearance in Shanghai, where you came second place after losing to 3DMAX twice. What do you think went wrong there, and are you ready for a potential rematch in playoffs?

One month ago, we lost to 3DMAX twice in Shanghai PWC. They changed in-game leader, now it's Graviti. I think we made a lot of mistakes, and I think we still need to improve our individual skill, especially communication during the mid-round and clutch situations. If we play with 3DMAX in playoffs... it's time for revenge, my brother Maka! Maka is my brother! In fact, 3DMAX all my brothers! (laughs)

After winning FISSURE Playground 1, you guys have had some tough results. Is it just these issues like mid-round communication, or are there other issues that have caused this?

I think, first, FISSURE Playground 1 did not have a lot of powerful teams. I think FISSURE Playground 1, JamYoung was very very sick, looked like donk. JamYoung's performance covered all of our flaws. Also, our mentality was not quite right after FISSURE 1, for Cologne and stuff. We had some mentality issues.

Do you think you guys are still having those mentality issues?

Time will see, in the match. Time will see! In the Shanghai CAC!

There's not a lot of powerful teams here in CAC either. Do you think you'll still need to rely on a JamYoung masterclass?

Of course not. Of course, it would be nice to have another amazing performance from JamYoung or any of the other players, but in general, we all have to contribute for us to get good results consistently.

You have an opening BO1 against Fluxo, a team you don't really have exposure to. How do you feel about that game?

I think it's an interesting match. It's been a long time since we played against a Brazilian team. We know that, in general, their playstyle is more aggressive compared to most of the European teams. We feel like we are prepared. We'll see.

After this, you have Chengdu, and then BLAST Rivals in Hong Kong...

(laughs maniacally)

Feels good to have these events close to home back-to-back?

First, I think it's hard, but it's all in China, so it's ok! Only need to book a Shanghai flight to Chengdu, that's 3 hours, Chengdu to Hong Kong is 3 or 4 hours. Not bad, not bad. If we fly to EU or America... (groans). 12 HOURS! 15 HOURS!

Too much.

TOO MUCH YEAH!

We did the HLTV Prospect Report a little while ago, and you were #14. Did you see that list, and were you surprised by the result?

I think it's too high for me! I think I'm #100, I'm the biggest noob!