Malaysian shuttlers face 6 charges each

SINGAPORE: Two Malaysian shuttlers are facing six charges each involving match-fixing activities that took place mostly in 2013, according to Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) observer, Jadadish Chandra.
The first day of the Badminton World Federation's hearing involving Zulfadli Zulkiffli and Tan Chun Seang, who were allegedly involved in match-­fixing, kicked off here Monday.
"One of the tournaments was Korean Grand Prix," said Chandra to reporters after the hearing. A BAM council member, he is also a key member of the national body's rules, disciplinary and integrity committee.
According to him, the organisation found out about the match-fixing activities involving the duo after a report was made by a player.
"It is not a Malaysian player and it has nothing to do with Danish players," said Chandra.
He noted that there were four witnesses from three different countries giving their statements today and another two tomorrow.
The hearing will continue tomorrow at 10am.
Asked about the hearing, Chandra said, "I have no issue on the procedures. Panels are very independent. Panels are very fair. I expect justice will prevail."
"Players are very cooperative," he added.
"Evidence involving the players will be presented tomorrow. The players did not give any statement at the session today. Tomorrow is the day for the defence. Lawyers representing the players will re-examine the witnesses," he said.
Chandra noted that he did not foresee BWF will make their decision tomorrow as normally "the decision will be handed down by way of written award and they will give us the reason."
Former world junior champion Zulfadli and ex-Thomas Cupper Tan are represented by two lawyers each at the two-day hearing.
The hearing is conducted by a three-member panel from the Badminton World Federation (BWF) from three different countries. — Bernama