DEFINITION
A match is a single bracketed pairing in the elimination rounds — Top 32, Top 16, Top 8, Top 4 and the Final. Each match contains a battle (two runs, lead + chase swapped).
The winner of the match advances to the next round; the loser is eliminated unless a rerun, OMT or judges' decision forces another battle.
HISTORY & ORIGIN
The single-elimination match bracket was inherited from combat-sport tournament design and is the universal format of every modern drift championship final-day round.
TECHNIQUE BREAKDOWN
Each match runs to a winner. If judges can't separate the cars after two runs they call OMT (one more time). After two consecutive ties, judges may invoke a sudden-death rule or award the higher qualifier.
PRO TIPS & COMMON MISTAKES
• In a long match (multiple OMTs), tyre and brake management becomes decisive.
• Common mistake: losing focus after winning the first run and giving back the lead in the second.
The Top 8 match between the championship leaders went to a third OMT before judges decided.