Korean keirin superstar Im Chae-bin claimed victory over his rival Jeong Jong-jin for the first time this year, in today’s special final at the southern city of Changwon.

Jeong Jong-jin had won all four contests this year featuring the pair – his most successful run ever in the series. Im Chae-bin’s last win had been in 2025’s year-end Grand Prix.

It was only the second time the two men had raced on Changwon’s 250m track, with Im Chae-bin winning the encounter two years ago.

As always, the two star riders positioned themselves together in the line: Jeong Jong-jin 5 initially in front, but Im Chae-bin 3 eased ahead, slotting in behind Ryu Jae-yeol 1. As the early leader faded, Ryu Jae-yeol acted as leadout for Im Chae-bin, with Jeong Jong-jin still on his wheel.

Out of the final corner, Jeong Jong-jin made his inevitable move. The two stars gave it everything, throwing their bikes simultaneously at the line – and it took a freeze-frame to separate them. Im Chae-bin took the win by the official measure of one-eighth of a wheel.