Thai badminton player slapped with two-year ban for fighting with ex-doubles partner

A Thai badminton player has reportedly been handed a two-year ban over a fight with his former doubles partner during last month's Yonex Canada Open in Richmond, British Columbia.

According to the Guardian, while Bodin Issara has been banned for two years, his compatriot Maneepong Jongjit has been suspended for three months for his part in the incident.

The report further said that Issara was found guilty of five breaches of the Badminton World Federation's (BWF) code of conduct relating to inappropriate conduct, oral abuse, physical abuse, unsportsmanlike conduct and conduct contrary to the integrity of the game.

The report also mentioned that Jongjit, who was alleged to have hit Issara with his racket early in the confrontation, was found to have breached the sections on inappropriate conduct, oral abuse and unsportsmanlike conduct.

Confirming the punishments, the BWF, which has taken a hard line after footage of the incident during the men's doubles final spread quickly via the internet, stated that both sanctions are effective from the date of the incident, which is July 21 with the players having 21 days in which to appeal, adding that Issara will forfeit the world-ranking points and prize money earned from the tournament.