[Anchor]

The new professional volleyball season has kicked off. In the men's division, reigning champions Korean Air decorated their opening match with a sweeping victory while wearing their championship rings.

Reporter Yu Byeongmin has the story.

[Reporter]

While upbeat brass band music celebrated the opening of the new season, a special exhibition was held at Gyeyang Gymnasium, the home court of Korean Air.

Replicas of six past championship rings were displayed side by side, catching the eyes of fans.

Prior to today's (the 31st) opening match, Korean Air held a championship ring presentation ceremony and took off toward their second consecutive combined championship.

The ring on my hand is the actual combined championship ring from last season.

Wearing their championship rings, the players flashed bright smiles and steeled their resolve for the new season, displaying flawless performance right from the opening match amid the cheers of around 2,600 spectators.

Newly joined Canadian national team member Keturakis led the team with a match-high 19 points driven by powerful spikes, while captain Jung Ji-seok added 12 points, including 2 service aces and 3 blocks, contributing on both offense and defense.

Lim Dong-hyuk lifted the team's morale with a lucky score where a ball blocked by the opponent bounced back off his own body and crossed over, and Han Sun-su sealed the victory in the late stages of the third set by single-handedly blocking Heo Su-bong's attack.

Defeating Hyundai Capital 3-0, Korean Air had a pleasant takeoff toward back-to-back championships.

[Keturakis / Korean Air: I'm really happy to win a sweeping victory in the opening match. I think we properly showed what kind of team we are.]

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In the women's division, defending champions GS Caltex also defeated Expressway Corporation, propelled by the stellar performance of main spiker Silva, who poured in 27 points.

(Video by Yang Doo-won | Video Editing by Hwang Ji-young)