Recently, Sina had the chance to sit down with Yao, LGD's new captain where he involved himself in a friendly yet serious interview regarding LGD's new recruit, his thoughts on xiao8, the difference between the two, and also shedding light on the up and coming teams in the Chinese scene.
GosuGamers has translated the Chinese interview into English for our viewers' convenience. You can read the English interview below where Yao speaks on his responsibility of being the team captain, 820 as a coach, and other casual discussions.
Hi, Yao. Thanks for accepting the interview from SuperNova. Would you like to say hi to everyone?
Yao: Hi, everyone, I am the team captain of LGD.
2014 is a new year for you. Let’s start with D2L at the beginning of the year. Do you still remember how you won the championship?
Yao: Of course. The championship is very meaningful for me. It was my last game with xiao8, and it was a good game.
Did you guys know xiao8 was going to leave before the game? What was the team’s feeling toward it during the game?
Yao: Yes, we did know. We are not only teammate but also good friends. He told us all his decisions. During the game, all of us tried our best.
Xiao8 was playing an important role in the team, as captain, leader and solo mid. Now who is this Mr.important?
Yao: After we gathered at the beginning of year, I took up the position of captain. It's now different from last year, when xiao8 used to make decisions and take responsibility all by himself. Now, all five of us make decisions together, by discussing and picking the best decision. In-game, everyone has begun to take more responsibility and think more. In the early-game, the supports will lead the team, while in the mid and late game, the three cores will make decisions according to the game play.
Does your coach 820 give advice in general?
Yao: Yes. We fight as a team of 6. He is very responsible as a coach. He is very helpful, although he usually does not interfere much during the game. After the game he will figure out the problems, give some conclusive advice and arrange our training.
Maybe joined the team this year. What do you think of him: about his gameplay and in real life?
Yao: As everyone knows, Maybe’s individual ability is very strong, but he never gets overconfident. In real life, he is actually very easy going. What he needs is more experience and to have chemistry with the team during the game. We are all confident about him.
In recent games, he was playing mid in substitution of xiao8. Is he fixed in this position?
Yao: Yes.
What is his main difference from Xiao8?
Yao: Xiao8 prefers a more gank-oriented playstyle while Maybe prefers to play a farming carry style.
You guys will face CIS during Supernova. What do you think of this team?
Yao: This team surprises me. They have no fear of famous teams, and their game play is also very creative. This is how Dota develops. I expect more new players to emerge.
They used Wraith King and Sniper as carry in recent games. It’s not a usual strategy. Are you guys going to ban this two heros against them?
Yao: We will see. Maybe we will use them.
Yes, a larger hero pool makes the game more fun. Do you think any hero has potential?
Yao: With good teamwork and execution, every hero has potential to excel. Especially Ember and Tusk.
In the last edition of Supernova, you guys got 2nd. What your goal for this season?
Yao: With our new roster, our goal is to reach the Grand Finals.
Thank you, Yao. Anything to say to your fans?
Yao: Thanks for all the supporting from our fans and sponsors. We will try our best to achieve our dreams.
Source: Sina (Chinese)
