VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — A fight broke out between two former badminton doubles partners from Thailand at the Canada Open over the weekend, prompting the Badminton World Federation to launch an investigation.
During a change of ends Sunday in the doubles final, Bodin Issara lunged at Maneepong Jongjit, chasing him onto a neighboring court before punching him several times.
Issara was dragged away and held down by coaches and tournament staff, while his partner, Pakkawat Vilailak, escorted a shirtless Jongjit off the court.
Issara, who needed two stitches, says Jongjit hit him with a badminton racket. The pair had already received a warning from the referee following a verbal exchange.
Jongit and partner Nipitphon Puangpuapech, also from Thailand, were awarded the victory after Issara was shown a black card.
