On the 30th, at the Seoul LoL Park, the 44th day of the 2019 LCK Spring Split took place. On the second series of the day, SK Telecom T1 defeated Afreeca Freecs with a score of 2-0. With this victory, SKT was able to secure the 2nd place in the 2019 LCK Spring Regular Season. In both games of the series, Khan played Jayce to constantly pressure and limit Kiin's growth. 

The following is an interview with SKT Khan.

How do you feel about today's victory?

We could've either finished 2nd or 3rd depending on the outcome of today's match. I'm very happy that we were able to finish the regular season in 2nd place.


At the beginning of the split, you mostly played 'defensive' or late game oriented picks. But recently, you've been playing a lot more aggressive, play-making champions. Why the sudden change? Have you won the coach's trust? 

Since round 1 robin of this split, I performed very well on any champion during scrims.  However, I was lackluster when playing on stage. I easily got nervous and wasn't able to quickly adapt to the new playing environment [LCK's new open booths]. Coming into 'Round 2', however, I was able to fix all my problems.

Simply put, I really underperformed during Round 1. Looking back at it now, I feel like I was a completely different person during that time. 


You were always famous for your Jayce. Today, you showed the fans why. You were able to consistently apply pressure on Kiin and had even gone with Youmuu as your first purchase against Ryze. What must other top laners do to defeat your Jayce? Any tips?

I don't necessarily think that my Jayce is at "another level" compared to the other players. Although I'm grateful for all the compliments that I receive, a lot of players are actually really good at playing him, too. (Laughs) I wouldn't say that I'm the absolute best, but I do consider my Jayce to be one of the best.

In order to handle Jayce during the laning phase, asking your jungler for a gank to relieve some of the lane pressure is important. 


Is Jayce currently S-tier here in the LCK? Or is it only S-tier when you play him?

He's an S-tier champion... maybe it's because of me. (Laughs)


SKT has been performing a lot better recently. In the most recent ESPN power rankings, you guys placed 1st. What's the source of SKT's sudden increase in performance?

I've been playing a lot better coming into Round 2. In addition, our team is filled with players with strong individualities, so it took a bit of time for us to get on the same page. When our teamwork eventually saw improvement, it showed on stage. 


Your synergy with Clid seems really impressive in-game. Are you guys good friends outside of the game, too?

We've been good friends for a while. We played for the same team back when we were in the LPL. We've also played a lot of duo ranked together in the past. It's really been working out for us. 


How far do you think SKT will go during the playoffs?

The Finals. However, I don't want to assume anything. My priority is to play at my best and show the fans what I am capable of. 


Do you personally like the current meta? Does your team as a whole enjoy the current meta?

I do. I also enjoy playing in a tank meta. 

My performance in Round 1 wasn't a reflection of my inability to play tanks. I just performed badly as a top laner. It's really hard to say that my performance is largely affected by the meta. 

My team is also enjoying it because I've been performing a lot better. 


Going into the playoffs, what skill element does SKT need to refine in order to make it far?

We still make small mistakes as individuals. No matter how minor it is, a mistake can cost us a game, especially when playing on the big stage. We'll need to refine our individual plays moving forward.


What SKT's biggest strength as an LCK team?

A lot of our players are seasoned veterans. In addition, most of us have experienced winning a tournament before. Our team is very open to ideas and we don't stress out over results as much as the others.


Please say a word for your fans and the other top laners that you'll face in the playoffs. 

I want to thank our fans. Our team is only able to exist thanks to them. I'll do my best to pay back the favor by showing great performance.

As for the other top laners that I'll face in the playoffs, "be careful."