RIO DE JANEIRO (AFP) - South Korean archer Kim Woo-Jin grabbed the first world record of the Rio Olympics on Friday (Aug 5) - before the Games had even officially begun.

The opening ceremony later on Friday promises to be a party, but the world number one and a quadruple world champion was already celebrating - but only a little bit - after scoring a world record 700 for 72 arrows in the men's individual ranking round at the Sambodromo.

Kim, 24, went just one point better than the previous record, set by compatriot Im Dong-Hyun in London four years ago.

"I practised more than everyone else and I gave my best for the entire round," he said.

"Tomorrow, there is a more important match. In terms of celebrating today, nothing - I want to focus on tomorrow's match.

"I want to focus on the Games now but later, maybe, I'll get to enjoy Brazil."

Kim beat off the American Brady Ellison (690 points), who won silver in London, and David Pasqualucci of Italy (685 pts).