We saw what you did!
Four non-Malaysian witnesses testify at shuttlers’ match-fixing hearing
PETALING JAYA: Four non-Malaysian witnesses and records dating back to tournaments in 2013 were presented by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) three-member panel in the match- fixing hearing of Malaysian shuttlers Zulfadli Zulkiffli and Tan Chun Seang.
The 25-year-old Zulfadli and Chun Seang, 31, were represented by their counsels at the hearing by the BWF’s disciplinary committee at the Hotel Jen Tanglin in Orchard Road, Singapore, yesterday.
Badminton Association of Malaysia ( BAM)’s Jadadish Chandra, who has been appointed to keep a watching brief on the hearing, said he was unable to give the details of the hearing but merely stated the proceedings.
“There were preliminary objections raised by the counsels for both players. Both were addressed by the panel at the same time,” said lawyer Jadadish, who is a key member of BAM’s Rules, Disciplinary and Integrity Committee.
“There are six charges against them and one of the offences took place at the Korean Grand Prix.
“BWF called their witnesses and they were cross-examined by the players’ lawyers. The BWF then wrapped up the evidence presented by the witness.
“The shuttlers did not speak as their lawyers did the talking.”
Asked about the nature of the evidence provided by the witnesses, Jadadish said: “I’m unable to share that information.”
Jadadish said the players would give their side of the story in the second half of the hearing today.
The three-member panel are expected to conclude their findings after today’s hearing and they will forward their judgement to the BWF.
If found guilty, the players are set to be banned for life – a first of such a decision by the world badminton body.
“The panel may reach a verdict at the conclusion of the hearing but the verdict may only be communicated to the players until a reasoned written judgement is ready.”
Zulfadli bagged the Asian junior title and defeated Viktor Axelsen of Denmark to win the world junior title in 2011 while Chun Seang was a member of the 2010 Thomas Cup Finals team.