Choi Dong-won vs. Sun Dong-yol: The Iron Arm Rivalry
Original Korean title
최동원-선동열 무쇠팔 라이벌전
A legendary 1987 pitching duel between Choi Dong-won and Sun Dong-yol that ended in a 15-inning complete-game draw, still regarded as the greatest rivalry in KBO history.
Originated around 2022Last updated: August 4, 2026
What does it mean?
On May 16, 1987, at Sajik Stadium in Busan, Lotte's Choi Dong-won and Haitai's Sun Dong-yol each pitched a full 15 innings, throwing 209 and 232 pitches respectively, in a game that ended 2-2. The two aces had already split two previous head-to-head starts before this game. The rivalry resurfaced in 2022 when Sun Dong-yol and Choi Dong-won placed first and second in a fan vote for the KBO's 40 Legends, marking the league's 40th anniversary.
Where did it start?
The May 16, 1987 Lotte-Haitai game; revisited during the KBO's 40th-anniversary Legends vote in 2022.
How is it used?
Cited as the quintessential KBO legend when discussing the greatest pitching duels in Korean baseball history.
Ratings by context haven't been confirmed yet.