DM Xian to take on EVO 2012

The EVO Championship series is back! Set within the glitzy edifices of the city of sin, Las Vegas, the annual high profile fighting tournament is about to welcome back a familiar face. Making his way back to EVO for the second time since 2011, Ho Kun “Xian” of Team DM will once again carry his nation’s (Singapore) support at the international meet of world renowned e-gaming fighting elites.

Having dispatched Daigo, arguably one of the world’s best Street Fighter 4 players, at the recent Clementi Game Festival (CGF) while en route to claim his seeded spot at EVO 2012, Xian finds himself buoyed and upbeat about his chances. “I am very pleased with my performance in Clement Games fest,” declares Xian in retrospect, “I did a lot of preparations in training mode just for Daigo and I am happy I am able to pull off most of the things I tested in the training lab.”

DM.Xian representing Team SG on the cover last year

Spotting an impressive credential roll which spans major successes at several distinguished fighting tournaments such as Dreamhack 2009, SBO 2010, Octoberfist (Philippines) as well as New York SSF4 2012—just to name a few, Xian is a heavy weight in the console fighting category. However, even then the fighting-game specialist who began gaming at the very tender ago of 8, fears the counter-picking element of the title might prove to be his undoing. Thus the veteran has dedicated plenty of time to refine his strategy in that regard.

Recalling his last fight with Daigo, Xian elaborates, “As I have never played with him in a tournament, the fear was when he started to counter-pick me, because I prepared most of the tricks against his Ryu. But due to my travelling overseas often, I get counter picked a lot too so I have a lot of experience against my bad matchups, [the plan was to] strike lead at the start until he goes back to Ryu.”

DM.Xian, mid in black tracksuit

“My gaming style changes from time to time, sometimes from game to game,” explains Xian of his volatile tactics, “I would prefer to attack in King of Fighters, but in Street Fighter I would defend more. However, I am never a totally defensive player. I play Gen in Street Fighter AE 2012 and will be using him for Evolution 2012.”

Looking forward to the first match up on the 6th, the Kicker’s fighter has plenty to be excited about. “This year the competition is held in Caesar Palace which is probably better than last year,” he laughs, “so I expect to see very comfy hotel rooms!” Posting on various media platforms Xian wants to assure his loyal fans that he’ll do his very best, “Shoutouts to everybody who supported me all this while! I am very happy to know that a lot of you are hoping I win, and I will definitely try my best this year!”

For more information on EVO 12, head on down to their official website. As for live updates on Xian and his scintillating journey down the Vegas strip, be sure to keep tabs and follow him on Twitter, as well as his blog. 

Photo credit: Sgfighter Internationalvs