TYLOO have withdrawn from HyperX Retake S13 and forfeited their quarter-final. The move has made the Chinese team’s path to a Singapore Major invitation much harder. Now coach WeiJie “zhokiNg” Zhong has opened up about how TYLOO got here.
This story matters because the decision came at a key moment in TYLOO’s VRS race. The team also heads into IEM Beijing with one player still recovering from illness. In an interview with HLTV, zhokiNg covers the scheduling clash, the search for a second leader and an unusual mental boost.
How a PGL Win Changed TYLOO’s Plans
Before the Retake event, TYLOO played at PGL Masters Bucharest. The staff expected to lose to several opponents there, but they believed their points would still be enough. If not, they planned to play extra matches to collect more.
Then TYLOO beat 9z 2-1, and their points were suddenly safe. However, the team had already registered for HyperX Retake S13, so it could not pull out. In addition, nobody expected Dongkai “Jee” Ji to catch chickenpox. As a result, TYLOO went into the event without him.
Retake Exit and a Clash With IEM Beijing
TYLOO had prepared for the chance that Retake would overlap with IEM Beijing. In the end, that is exactly what happened. The team forfeited its quarter-final, and its chances of a Major invitation fell sharply.
Meanwhile, Jee is racing to return. According to zhokiNg, he has almost recovered, and the team is working with a hospital to get a certificate showing he is no longer contagious. Only then can he join the event. Whether he plays the opening match depends on the result that arrives on the day.
Why TYLOO’s Points Fell Behind
Earlier, Mercury had suggested that TYLOO could fight for the top VRS spot in Asia. Given the current situation, the interviewer asked whether the schedule is the real problem. zhokiNg points to the level of competition his team has faced.
Actually, our points have always been near the top [in Asia]. It’s just that the teams below us may have played some regional points-farming events, and farmed up their points that way, whereas the events we played were actually S-tier events on the world stage.
He does not hide the gap to the best teams, though. Therefore, in his view, TYLOO must keep learning and improving.
The 9z Win and the Search for a Second Leader
Beating 9z carried extra meaning for the coach. TYLOO had lost to that opponent three times before. This time, the team adjusted its approach and won even without a full roster.
Yeah, beating 9z was actually a really good signal for me. It showed that we’re actually capable of beating them.
After Bucharest, zhokiNg noted that the team lacked a secondary in-game leader for mid-round decisions. TYLOO tested two candidates, JamYoung and Jee. JamYoung suits the role, but his position often keeps him on the front line, holding angles or fighting. Jee fits better.
So, after observing, we found that Jee’s position is actually very well suited for handling this role.
Jee has already worked on this part of his game, and zhokiNg still sees room for growth.
Less Pressure Without a Full Roster
The coach also points to a surprising effect of playing short-handed. Against 9z, the players knew a teammate was missing, so they felt freer. With a full roster, the pressure rises, especially against a team that has beaten them before. When zhokiNg plays himself, the players relax even more and simply follow the calls. He saw the same mood at FISSURE.
What This Means for TYLOO’s Major Hopes
According to HLTV, zhokiNg sees both progress and work ahead for TYLOO. The Retake forfeit hurt the team’s Singapore Major hopes. However, the win over 9z showed that the roster can beat a rival that once held the upper hand.
Finally, two questions will shape the next steps. First, Jee must get medical clearance for IEM Beijing. Second, TYLOO must settle who takes the secondary in-game leader role.
