Jeong Jong-jin bounced back from an uncharacteristic third-place in his semi final to win Sunday’s special final on the outdoor track at Busan, and retain the upper hand over his rival Im Chae-bin.

The two riders have dominated the Korean scene for many years. Chae-bin won the country’s Grand Prix in December, his third in succession – but that’s now two straight wins for Jong-jin, after his success at Gwangmyeong in early March.

Jong-jin (1, white) was involved in a physical semi final on Saturday. He seemed to be digging deep in the final half lap, unable to claim his usual place at the front – but finishing comfortably enough in third after a crash exiting the final bend which took out two of his challengers and impeded another.

In Sunday’s final, Jong-jin (2, black) moved up the line as soon as the pacer exited with two laps remaining, briefly slotting in behind his rival Chae-bin (4, blue) – then powering past him, dragging another rider behind. Chae-bin now found himself sitting in fourth place with half a lap left, and another rider between him and Jong-jin, who was now giving it everything on the front.

Jong-jin was running out of gas as they fanned out of the final bend; and he even seemed to throw his bike at the line a little early? – but he had just enough to hold off Hwang Seung-ho in second, with Chae-bin only third.

Remarkably, the two stars’ third-places over the weekend were their worst results in years. Jong-jin hasn’t finished as low as third since 2023’s Grand Prix, won by Chae-bin… and Chae-bin hasn’t finished third since the Grand Prix of 2022, won by Jong-jin.