TL Shernfire on C9: “I didn’t think much of [them] individually”

The 2020 LCS Spring Split kicked off with a stunning upset as Cloud9 delivered a commanding performance against the four-time defending champions Team Liquid. Despite high expectations and roster confidence, the opening match revealed significant strategic gaps that would need immediate addressing.

Fans expressed surprise at seeing Team Liquid Academy’s Australian jungler Shern “Shernfire” Cherng Tai stepping in for Mads “Broxah” Brock-Pedersen, bypassing established teammate Eugene “Pobelter” Park. Assistant coach Kang “Dodo” Jun-hyeok defended the unconventional roster decision, emphasizing performance metrics over tenure.

“While Pobelter had been training with the main squad throughout January, Shernfire arrived just four days prior and immediately demonstrated exceptional scrim performance despite battling severe jetlag,” Dodo explained during pre-match preparations.

WIN.gg conducted an exclusive interview with the substitute jungler to explore his rapid transition from Team Liquid supporter to active roster member.

Do you believe Team Liquid underestimated Cloud9’s capabilities?

Shernfire: We maintained respect for their organization but certainly experienced tactical surprises. They caught us unprepared in several key engagements that shifted momentum decisively.

What specific elements caught your team off guard?

Our matchup comprehension proved inadequate against their execution. While we weren’t intimidated individually, they exposed systematic weaknesses in our game plan. The outcome reflects their superior preparation – we simply got outplayed. While I didn’t rate their players exceptionally high on an individual basis, they demonstrated superior coordination. This loss has increased our respect level significantly, and I’m eager for a rematch opportunity.

Do you anticipate different results in a potential second encounter?

Absolutely. We’re committed to rapid improvement and believe we can adjust effectively for future matches.

How did your draft strategy intend to counter Cloud9’s objective control?

We struggled to create advantageous situations throughout the match. Cloud9’s disciplined play limited our opportunities significantly. When chances did emerge, I failed to capitalize effectively. The responsibility falls on individual execution errors, including my own performance shortcomings.

Despite the challenging start, I remained convinced we could stage a comeback victory until the final moments.

What adjustments would you make if given another opportunity?

Retrospective wishes don’t drive improvement – focused development with the team does. I recognize my capability for enhanced performance and remain relatively unfrustrated by this initial setback. While victory was obviously the objective, my preparation process and integration left me satisfied overall.

Describe your scrim experience leading up to the debut match.

I transitioned directly from the aircraft into scrim sessions without adequate rest. The intensity surpassed even this LCS match environment. Competing alongside players I’ve long admired created an electrifying atmosphere, amplified by the arena’s production elements.

Fatigue wasn’t a factor during the actual competition – the adrenaline and significance of the moment overpowered any physical exhaustion.

Did nervousness affect you upon learning about your starting position?

Receiving the starting confirmation certainly intensified my practice dedication and focus.

What justified your selection over Pobelter for this crucial match?

The results speak for themselves. He had four weeks of preparation advantage, yet the coaching staff determined my current form offered the superior competitive edge.

How does competing on the LCS stage with the primary roster compare to expectations?

The reality settled during scrim sessions when I recognized my transition to full team membership. While initially uncomfortable, I gradually established equality within the squad dynamic.My primary objective involved demonstrating capability to established veterans, and I believe I’ve secured their professional respect through performance.

My identity has shifted fundamentally – I’m now a teammate first, with fandom becoming secondary.

Doublelift recently shared your 2018 message inquiring about Team Liquid opportunities.

He intended to publicize that correspondence regardless of my preferences!

Did his endorsement influence the organization’s decision to sign you?

CoreJJ provided substantially more influential support. We spent significant time together in Korea and maintained connection in North America. His recommendation likely facilitated my opportunity, though competing alongside elite players has always represented my competitive aspiration.

How do you approach the upcoming match against Team SoloMid?

I feel greater intimidation facing TSM compared to Cloud9. However, increased respect for opponents typically enhances my personal performance levels.

So you anticipate this challenge positively?

Definitely, without question.

What’s your perspective on the new Monday Night League scheduling format?

My fundamental desire involves playing League of Legends competitively – scheduling details remain secondary concerns.

The altered rhythm creates adjustment requirements, but premature judgments about format quality seem unwarranted. Personal experience will determine my assessment.

Define your primary objectives for the 2020 competitive season.

Securing the starting jungler position for Team Liquid represents my immediate goal. Achieving domestic and international championship success drives my long-term motivation.

These represent ambitious targets – do you consider them achievable?

These targets guide my development trajectory regardless of circumstances. This roster construction specifically targets championship contention, and I believe we possess the necessary components for success.

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