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Zai: "This might have been my last TI"
Team Liquid took on Gaimin Gladiators in the lower bracket quarter-finals of The International 12 (TI12). Gaimin Gladiators took the series, eliminating Liquid for the fifth time this year.
After the conclusion of the series, Liquid's offlaner, Ludwig "zai" Wåhlberg, discussed his plans for the future, the team's performance this year, and how he felt about his last series at TI12.
Zai: "Top six at TI is not the worst of performances"
This has been an interesting year for Team Liquid. They had five second-place finishes at multiple prestigious events, such as all three Majors and Riyadh Masters 2023.
Getting second place throughout the year is a testament to the team's performance and consistently, something zai was quite proud about when asked how he would rate his year.
"Performance-wise it's been pretty good. Obviously not winning anything per say but consistently performing and doing good and I think, you know looking back, top six at TI is not the worst of performances, but of course we would have liked to do more."
The first game in the quarter-finals went well for Team Liquid and it looked like game two would favor them as well. Unfortunately, a near team-wipe at the 23-minute mark cost Liquid their lead and the game.
When asked how he feels about his performance at TI12, zai stated that it was an average tournament for him, but he regretted how the last series went for the team.
"I've done better and I've done worse, so this is kind of bang on in the middle, which is fine. I think the saddest part is that in this third game we kind shit the bed and to really perform as we would have wanted. I think game two we could have done much better but you know life goes on."
Zai: "I'm going to take a little break and see what's up"
As the interview was winding down, Neal "Tsunami" Khandheria asked the offlaner if he had anything to say to the fans who have been supporting him and the team throughout the year.
Zai had a surprising and slightly cryptic answer, saying that TI12 might be last TI, although nothing is confirmed just yet.
"Well actually after this game, William [Blitz] looked at me and told me I had to go, after Centaur performance. Most likely I'll follow his lead and probably, this might have been my last TI. I think I'm going to take a little break and see what's up and what that means for me, I'm not quite sure but 1-11 Centaur? Doesn't cut it."
Time will tell if Liquid makes any roster changes but hopefully, Zai will continue to compete for a few more years.
READ MORE: Gaimin Gladiators eliminates North America from TI12
Image Source Provided By: Team Liquid
