PETALING JAYA: Thai doubles shuttler Bodin Issara has shouldered the blame for the on-court brawl with compatriot Maneepong Jongjit during the final of the Canadian Open last Sunday.
The incident, which went viral on Youtube and other social media, stunned the world as the duo were former partners and they even made the quarter-finals of the London Olympics last year.
On Sunday, Bodin dropped his racquet after the first game and chased Maneepong on to an adjacent court before repeatedly punching and kicking him.
The 22-year-old Bodin apologised for his actions but claimed that he was provoked by Maneepong and that he was hit in the ear by a racquet.
“After the first game, I told Maneepong to play nicely but he gave me the (middle) finger. I ran to punch him and the incident was just like what was shown on the video clip,” Bodin was quoted as saying in www.bangkokpost.com.
“I apologise for the incident that occurred. It was also because I was hit in the ear by a racquet and it bled.
“I’d also like to apologise to all Thai people for bringing disgrace to the country and I take all the blame. I’d also like this issue to end here,” added Bodin, who required five stitches to his right ear.
Maneepong, meanwhile, said that it was Bodin who started the fight after he and partner Nipitphon Puangpuapech won the first game.
“He asked us why we were very noisy ... he challenged me to a fight several times,” said Maneepong, also 22.
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