Former badminton doubles partners exchange blows

The Badminton World Federation has launched an investigation after a fight broke out between two former partners at the Canada Open doubles final on Sunday.

During a change of ends, Bodin Issara lunged at Thailand compatriot Maneepong Jongjit, chasing him onto a neighboring court before punching him several times.

Issara was dragged away and held down by coaches and tournament staff, while his partner, Thai Pakkawat Vilailak, escorted a now shirtless Jongjit off court.

Issara, who needed two stitches, claims Jongjit hit him with a badminton racket. The pair had already received a warning from the referee following a verbal exchange.

Jongit and his partner Nipitphon Puangpuapech, also of Thailand, were awarded the victory after Issara was shown a black card.

"The events surrounding the conclusion of this match will be thoroughly investigated by the BWF," the federation said in a statement on Monday. "The world-governing body has procedures in place to deal with such situations and this matter will be referred to the Disciplinary Committee."

Jongjit and Issara were among the top-ranked badminton pairings and reached the quarterfinals at the 2012 Olympics. They split in January, when Issara retired to take care of his ailing mother, but was soon competing again with another partner.

- AP