Jeong Jong-jin took the victory at Gwangmyeong Speedom on Monday, in the latest instalment of the rivalry which has defined Korean keirin in recent years.

He crossed the line half a bike length ahead of Im Chae-bin, who had won their last encounter – the year-end Grand Prix.

Chae-bin lost only two races in 2025, both to Jong-jin, and had a 100% winning record so far in 2026. But he could only manage second in Sunday’s qualifier race, in the tightest of finishes with Seong Nak-song.

Monday was a public holiday in South Korea, and the showcase 16th race followed the familiar pattern of recent contests, with the pair latching on to each other long before the pacer left the track.

Chae-bin (7) hit the accelerator with a lap and a half of the 333.3m track remaining, and Jong-jin (3) inevitably following right behind.

Chae-bin opened up a gap, but Jong-jin managed it wisely, before driving hard out of the final corner to make a late pass.