Probe launched into Korean Badminton Open bust-up
Updated: 2008-02-02 17:08
LONDON - The Badminton World Federation will investigate scuffles that marred last week's men's singles final at the Korea Open and will consider introducing technologies used in tennis and cricket.
 China's Lin Dan (C) and his coach (L) argue with South Korea's coach Ri Mao from China during the men's singles final of the Yonex Korea Open Badminton Super Series against South Korea's Lee Hyun-il in Seoul January 27, 2008. The argument over a line-call with the referee escalated into a shouting match between Lin and Ri. [Agencies] |
Anne Smillie, chair of the BWF sport committee, has called for a full report and said such incidents were happening too often.
Last Sunday's final of the Super Series event between China's Lin Dan and eventual winner Lee Hyun-il of South Korea featured a number of line calls overruled by the umpire, which led to scuffles and heated exchanges.
"All of this is damaging to the image of our sport and undermines confidence in the results," Smillie said in a statement.
"Players, coaches, technical officials and team officials at court side have a code of behaviour to follow.
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Smillie said the BWF would look at other options to take the heat out of official decisions, including technologies used in tennis and cricket.
BWF deputy president Punch Gunalan said: "In this Olympic year, when badminton will be under the microscope in Beijing, the players need to be confident that the game is officiated professionally, while respecting the technical officials' decisions."
The BWF will hold meetings at the next Super Series event, the All England Open in Birmingham in March, where the issue of technology will be discussed.
The sport committee is also talking to referees and umpires to look at the possibility of having independent umpires operating as line judges during major semi-finals and finals.
World number one Lin has refused to apologise for his part in the fracas in Seoul, which began when he threw his racket in the direction of South Korea's singles coach Li Mao, who is also Chinese.
The throwing incident sparked a shouting match between Lin and Li and play was momentarily halted as match officials struggled to restore order.
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