A fight broke out between two former doubles partners at the Canada Open in the men’s doubles final this weekend.
Thailand’s Bodin Issara chased his opponent and his former doubles partner, Maneepong Jongjit, all the way to the badminton court nearby, to rugby-tackle him and land a series of blows before they were separated by coaches and officials.
Issara had partnered Jongjit at the London Olympics last year.
Issara and his partner, Vilailak Pakkawat, were immediately disqualified, with Jongjit and Nipitphon Puangpuapech declared as winners. Earlier in the match, they had been cautioned by the referee for being involved in a verbal exchange.
A statement from the world governing body read: “The Badminton World Federation is aware of an incident which occurred during the finals of the Yonex Canada Grand Prix tournament on Sunday.
“The men’s doubles final ended in unusual circumstances, with a black card being issued to Thailand pair, Bodin Issara and Pakkawat Vilailak, who were disqualified. Their opponents were another Thai duo, Maneepong Jongjit and Nipitphon Puangpuapech.
“The events surrounding the conclusion of this match will be thoroughly investigated by the BWF. The world governing body has procedures in place to deal with such situations and this matter will be referred to the disciplinary committee. Until this process is concluded there will be no further comment by the BWF.”
Source: The Guardian
