Kim Deokil, a member of the Haetteumi Ssireum Team from Ulju-gun, Ulsan, claimed his first Sobaek Jangsa title at the 'Withus Pharmaceutical 2025 Folk Ssireum Pyeongchang Odaesan Cheonjangsa Ssireum Tournament' held at Jinbu Sports Center in Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province on the 4th.
Kim Deokil lifted the Hwangso Trophy by defeating Hwang Chanseop (Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Office) in the Sobaek Jangsa (under 72kg) final, which was held as a best-of-five match.
Uljugun Haetteumi Ssireum Team player Kim Deokil cheers as he becomes Sobaek Champion at the Pyeongchang Odaesan Cheonjangsa Ssireum Tournament. Provided by Uljugun
Kim Deokil advanced to the semifinals by defeating An Seongmin (Yeongam County Folk Ssireum Team) 2-0 in the round of 16 and Kim Seongha (Changwon Special City Office) 2-0 in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals, he beat Kim Suyong (Gongju City Office) 2-0, reaching the championship match without conceding a single point.
His opponent in the final was Hwang Chanseop (Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Office), who had previously won titles at both the 24th Chuseok Tournament and the Cheonhajangsa Tournament.
In the first round, Hwang Chanseop took the lead by successfully executing a 'Japchaegi', but Kim Deokil caught up in the second round with a 'Deulbaejigi'. Riding the momentum, Kim Deokil scored in succession with a 'Mireo-chigi' in the third round and a 'Ppuryeo-chigi' in the fourth, finishing the match with a final score of 3-1 to secure the victory.
Ulsujun Haetteumi Ssireum Team player Kim Deokil is taking a commemorative photo after becoming the Sobaek Champion at the Pyeongchang Odaesan Cheonjangsa Ssireum Tournament. Provided by Ulsujun County
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