The group stages are over and the single elimination play has arrived. This is the point in the tournament where every player is forced to give it their all because a couple of small mistakes could mean the end of the tournament for you.

Sixteen of the best StarCraft players in the world are each hoping to furiously click their way onto the medal stand by Sunday. I will examine these players and the first matches of single elimination play.

Androide vs ChinaTTTT

Out of all eight matches this is the only mirror match. Generally mirror matches tend to require more on luck than actual skill. This is a trait that ChinaTTT will need a lot of against Androide.

For years, Androide is noted with having exceptional skills against terran. You might remember back in Singapore at the WCG 2005 Grand Finals he demolished the now retired professional gamer Doh Hyun “Silent_Control” Na.

To ChinaTTTT’s credit, he might be much more prepared for this event. The Russian is said to have only practiced in the final days leading up to the event due to receiving short notice that he would be replacing his teammate. However, I still feel as though this is Androide’s series to take.

Who Advances? Androide.

Luxury vs Masscata

I feel sorry for the Bulgarian that he is stuck having to play Luxury in the first round of single elimination. Masscata came into this event as a relative unknown who was expected to be no more than fodder for Luxury and Ptak. He proved his critics wrong though by actually taking down the Croatian, which enabled him to advance.

The only positive attribute that Masscata has going for him is this is Luxury’s worst matchup. That is not going to matter though because even for a top tier professional gamer their worst matchup is still generally far superior to that of the non-Koreans.

Who Advances? Luxury.

Ace vs Legend

I am sure the Hungarian is breathing a sigh of relief after he was given a walkover against CaStrO, which allowed him to finish in first place in Group C. Had he of gotten second, he would almost certainly be experiencing an early exit compliments of Stork.

Even though, he is technically not playing a Korean, Ace is still coming into this series as a possible underdog. His opponent Legend has been in this position before and is more experienced while his opponent is competing in his first major international event.

I give the edge to Legend, but I also sincerely believe that an upset is in order.

Who Advances? Ace.

Strelok vs Bruce

It is unfortunate that two teammates and friends have to play each other so early in the event, but that’s how it goes sometimes. I am sure both players are very familiar with the other, so I have a feeling this will be more of a mental battle than anything else.

On overall skill and actual chances to advance, I have to give it to Strelok. However, he has been known in the past to choke under high pressure situations. Bruce has been one of the best in Russia since the beginning, so he has a couple more years in the experience department. Although, I just don’t believe his skill is quite up to par with the Ukrainians.

Who Advances? Strelok.