Local badminton community shocked by death of Chung Jae-sung

PETALING JAYA: The badminton community is shocked by the death of 35-year-old former South Korean doubles ace Chung Jae-sung.

"This is sad news. I offer my condolences to his wife and two children and I pray that the family will stay strong," said Lee Chong Wei shortly after hearing about the South Korean shuttler's demise.

Chung, who died of a heart attack on Friday, had formed a formidable partnership with Lee Yong-dae before he retired in 2012.

Former national doubles specialist Tan Boon Heong also found the news hard to believe.

"I'm so sorry to hear this news. He was super fit as a player," said Boon Heong.

Boon Heong and Koo Kien Keat's Olympic dream at the 2012 London Games were dashed by Jae-sung and Yong-dae in the bronze-medal playoff.

That was Jae-sung's last international tournament with Yong-dae after they ruled the world of badminton for six years with their superb skills, tenacity and craftiness on court.