Ahead of the opening series in the Bali Major playoffs, we had the chance to catch up with PSG.LGD’s mid laner Cheng "NothingToSay" Jin Xiang.
We spoke with him about how the team is feeling after almost an entire DPC season playing together, how the youngsters have integrated into the team, and how confident they are heading into The International 2023. But while for his team all went great in the group stage at Bali Major, for the region he is originally coming from, Southeast Asia, it was a complete disaster. So, we took this opportunity to talk to him about the SEA Dota, and what are his thoughts on why the SEA teams underperform at Majors.
We touched on multiple subjects, including, the top mid laners in the pro scene and the Pugna-Storm Spirit duo used by many during the group play in Bali, so check the full interview with NothingToSay below.
Congrats on the upper bracket seed here at the Bali Major. You recently defeated Liquid 2-0 at DreamLeague, and taking that into consideration were you surprised to see that Team Liquid has picked your team for the playoffs opener here?
Maybe they picked us because during the group stage we didn't play fiercely, whereas they were quite aggressive.
You praised Nisha in the past, is he still one the best mid-laners in your opinion, or has Quinn taken that spot?
Based on individual skills I feel that they are both very strong. Right now even if I have to compare, I think both are equal.
Who else is a tough mid laner to play against right now?
Could be BetBoom's GPK.
Why GPK?
Because his laning ability and creep control are very good based on what I see.
Along with Abed, you are the last SEA hopes for the fans here in Bali, is that something that crossed your mind after all SEA teams have been eliminated?
I have nothing to say. Maybe the teams weren't performing the way they should, hence they couldn't make it to the playoffs?
What do you think is lacking or what is not working for SEA teams once they get to the Major?
Perhaps it is because their play styles have some shortcomings. I am not part of their teams, so I don't really know. Maybe the lineups couldn't gel or execute and ended up not playing so well.
You’ve been playing in China for 4 years now. Do you ever miss being at home, have you ever considered returning to play in SEA?
Missing home? Not really, because usually, every few months after the tours I will make a trip back home. In regards to returning to SEA, maybe, I don't know, no plans yet.
You have a few newcomers on the current PSG.LGD, you’ve played with them for almost an entire season, how is the team gelling, are you feeling confident as a group going into TI?
So far, based on what I see, we are playing better gradually. I feel that the atmosphere and everything are pretty good. So, shouldn't be too big of a problem to compete in the upcoming matches.
Do you feel like you have a mentor role for the new guys on the team?
No. They don't listen to me. We just follow the coach's lead.
Who is the most hard-working player on the team?
Our position 1 - shiro
How much of an impact does xiao8 have nowadays on the drafts? Is the drafting part still his full responsibility?
Before the games, the whole team will discuss together and plan which heroes would be our priorities. As for the coach, he will give us his feedback and advice.
You are one of the mid laners who played the most heroes in the group stage. Is that because you feel very confident on anything that xiao8 suggests or is it because you guys are trying to confuse your opponents or a little bit of both?
Usually, xiao8 will suggest what to use. But because it is the group stage, we felt that we can try more heroes, and it turned out well for us as well.
How does the mid lane feel in this meta?
The mid-lane, I think is more about the tempo. As most of the focus will be on the sidelines to gain an advantage. For mid, I think, it is easier to play. Simpler than before.
We’ve seen multiple teams using the Storm Spirit - Pugna combo during the groups. Which of these two heroes feels broken and should any of them get a bit balanced before TI?
I feel Pugna is more crucial, as he can constantly mana regen Storm Spirit. That allows Storm to go more aggressive. Get kills, get out, regen, repeat. But if Storm couldn't get his regen, then he won't be as powerful.
BoBoka mentioned in an interview with us that China is facing a drought of good mid laners right now. Would you agree?
I do agree. The competitive scene in China does not have that many mid laners. Maybe because in China we have lesser new blood now. And the new players generally don't play mid. All the mid players now are all from the same pool, since we don't have a new generation right? So that resulted in a shortage of mid laners.
You’ve come very close to winning TI 10, which had the biggest prize pool. Do you think that not having the Battle Pass this year and potentially having a way lesser prize pool will take away from the importance of what we are used to be the biggest Dota 2 event?
I have nothing to say. Because I won't know how much this year's TI prize pool will be without the Battle Pass. But I feel it is not that important.
Alright, thank you for taking the time to talk to us! We wish you the best of luck moving further into the playoffs at the Bali Major and in Seattle as well!
PSG.LGD will open the playoffs stage at Bali Major with their upper bracket quarterfinals against Team Liquid on July 5 at 10:00 SGT/04:00 CEST.
