Old KBO rivals to duel for ticket to championship series

Two longtime rivals in the Korean baseball scene are set to clash in a crucial second-round playoff this weekend. The Samsung Lions and the Kia Tigers, both with a storied history of intense competition, will square off in a best-of-five series. The first game tips off at 2 p.m. Sunday at Daegu Samsung Lions Park in the southeastern city of Daegu.

If necessary, the series will continue with Game 3 at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field in the southwestern city of Gwangju. Should the teams require a fourth contest, Game 4 is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday in Gwangju. In the event the outcome remains undecided after four games, a decisive Game 5 will be held at 2 p.m. on Oct. 31 in Daegu.

The Lions, having clinched second place in the regular season, secured a home-field advantage by earning a direct entry into the playoff. Meanwhile, the Tigers, who finished in third place, advanced by defeating the reigning 2025 Korean Series champions, the LG Twins, in their previous round.