For the first time in Sabah Grand Archive competitive history, a local player managed to outwit 578 player and achieve top 100 in a major event. Who is he? Your local oppa, Rex!
(Rex celebrating his most recent wins at TinyRobot Weekly)
(To Rex) What does it feel like competing on such a huge stage like Ascent Taipei, with nearly 600 players in attendance?
Rex: Feel nervous at first, because it is my first time joining an event that have so many attendances.
(Players competing in Ascent Round 1)
(To Rex) Can you walk us through your preparation leading up to Taipei Ascent? How different was it compared to your local events?
Rex: For me I didn't do much preparation for Taipei Ascent just make sure I don’t do much mistake at the tournament, if compare with local events with Taipei Ascent, the environment meta for it is different.
(To Rex) Your deck choice for this event—was it something you locked in early, or did you make adjustments after testing against the wider meta?
(Rex was playing Water Unique Ally build)
Rex: My deck I locked in early but I do some adjustments after testing due to the environment in Sabah is different than others. That helped me a lot in the actual tournament.
(To Rex) Playing in an international-scale event, did the atmosphere feel different compared to your previous tournaments?
Rex: Yeah, the atmosphere is feeling different because technically I was fighting alone but all my friends still supporting me at Sabah.
(To Rex) Out of all your rounds here in Taipei, which match stood out the most to you and why?
Rex: For me all the match I face are quite memorable for me but if I had to choose one match, probably my 8th round match because that win guaranteed me a slot in day 2.
(To Rex) How did you handle the pressure of such a long, competitive tournament—did you have any routines or mindset tips that helped you stay sharp?
Rex: Each round after tournament no matter lose or win I don't think about it just try focus on the round and try focus myself.
(To Rex) Now that you’ve achieved a TOP 100 placement at Ascent Taipei, what’s the next milestone you’re aiming for in your Grand Archive career?
Rex: For me TOP 100 is just a start, the next milestone I wish I can still compete until at the real TOP.
(To Rex) Finally, what advice would you give to Malaysian players who aspire to compete on the international stage like you did?
Rex: Advice, I still don't have the power to give advice to Malaysian players, but still hope every player can enjoy the game and maybe we can go tournament together next time.
As we mentioned earlier, it was only a matter of time before Sabahans made their mark on the international stage — and Rex is the first to do it!
A huge thank you to Rex for taking the time to speak with us, even while battling jet lag after just returning to Sabah.
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