Lin Dan apologises but denies hitting coach

BEIJING: China’s badminton world number one Lin Dan has denied striking his coach but apologised for throwing a tantrum that has sparked calls for his dismissal from the Olympic team, according to state media reports.

Lin Dan, 24, allegedly struck coach Ji Xinpeng after losing his cool during a training match last week, prompting a chorus of calls to punish the temperamental star.

“I have apologised, but I never hit anyone,” Lin Dan told Guangzhou’s Southern Metropolis daily on Saturday.

Earlier, several state-run newspapers reported that Lin Dan had hit Xinpeng and that other players and coaches quickly intervened to prevent the 2007 world champion from landing a second blow.

The incident has caused an uproar among badminton fans, with some demanding that the hot-headed star be kicked off the Chinese team.

“The coaching team and chief officials have spoiled Lin Dan. He should have been kicked out of the team earlier,” the China Daily quoted one fan as saying.

Lin Dan only apologised to Xinpeng several days after Tuesday’s fracas and explained that initially he considered the incident a minor one.

“Originally I thought this was a very minor matter. But then it was affecting the reputation of the badminton team so I apologised to the coach,” he said, according to the Southern Metropolis.

Lin Dan, 24, allegedly struck coach Ji Xinpeng after losing his cool during a training match last week, prompting a chorus of calls to punish the temperamental star.