Daegu:It has been 11 years since Choi Hyoung-woo last participated in a Korean Series with the Samsung Lions. This lengthy hiatus will conclude on Tuesday as the Lions face off against the regular-season champions KT Wiz in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) championship showdown.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Choi, the oldest player remaining in this postseason at 42, rejoined the Lions in December last year. He originally played for the team from 2002 to 2016, participating in every Korean Series from 2010 to 2015 and securing four consecutive titles starting in 2011. After a stint with the Kia Tigers, where he won two more championships, Choi returned to Samsung Lions, who pursued him in free agency in their quest for their first championship since 2014.

On Sunday, Choi was instrumental in ending the season of his former team, the Tigers, by driving in the first run in the Lions' 6-1 victory in Game 5 of the second round at Daegu Samsung Lions Park.

Choi, despite his age, continues to be a formidable presence at the plate. In the current series, he has hit 5-for-13 with two home runs and four RBIs. He also took on the role of left fielder in four out of five games, stepping in for Koo Ja-wook, who was limited to a designated hitter role due to a hamstring injury.

Choi has not only contributed on the field but has also offered guidance to his younger teammates. His advice proved invaluable to 25-year-old leadoff hitter Kim Ji-chan, who delivered an impressive performance in the series by batting 3-for-4, driving in three runs, and scoring three times. Kim credited Choi's advice for his aggressive approach, which led to his success at the plate.

As the Lions prepare for the Korean Series, Choi expressed mixed emotions about his defensive responsibilities, citing physical strain but acknowledging the experience's benefits. Despite these challenges, he remains focused on the team's ultimate goal of winning the championship.