CHALLENGE TO BREAK EXISTING BADUK RECORD

[Anchor Lead]

We have some news from the world of baduk. New baduk champion Shin Jin-seo has maintained the winning rate of over 90 percent this year, and could soon break the record of legendary baduk player Lee Chang-ho. The upcoming seven matches with Park Jung-hwan will determine Shin's chance of setting a new record.

[Pkg]

Shin Jin-seo has won four major competitions this year, including the LG Cup World Baduk Championship. The 20-year-old has topped the ranks for ten consecutive months, and is well on his way to breaking the record of legendary baduk player Lee Chang-ho. Lee's record of the 88.24 percent annual winning rate, which he set in 1988 at the age of 13, has remained unrivaled for more than three decades now. Shin could finally break it. His winning rate this year has remained at 90.74 after recording 49 victories.

[Soundbite] SHIN JIN-SEO(BADUK PLAYER) : "Keeping the 90-percent winning rate is not going to be easy. But I will give it my best shot in trying to break my own record."

From October 19, Shin will play seven matches against Park Jung-hwan, who currently ranks at number two. It's going to be a fierce battle. Although Shin has won seven matches this year, Park maintains his lead in the total score.

[Soundbite] SHIN JIN-SEO(BADUK PLAYER) : "The perfect outcome would be winning with four wins and three losses."

[Soundbite] PARK JUNG-HWAN(BADUK PLAYER) : "The most ideal score for me would be 7-0. But there is no chance of that. A 4-3 score would be exhilarating."

The seven matches between the top two baduk players in Korea will take place against the scenic landscape of Namhae.