Eight women charged for 'throwing' badminton matches

Farcical scenario

Boos again rang out later in the evening session as the match between ROK's Ha and Kim and Indonesians Polii and Jauhari repeated the same farcical scenario.

With spectators yelling "get off", another referee emerged and waved a black card, indicating both teams were disqualified, prompting a roar of approval from the stands.

South Korea's Ha Jung-eun (L) and Kim Min-jung play against Indonesia's Greysia Polii and Meiliana Jauhari during their women's doubles group play stage Group C badminton match during the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Wembley Arena, July 31, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

However, the referee rescinded the decision moments later after coaches from both teams implored the contest be allowed to continue and Ha and Kim ended up as reluctant winners in three sets.

Players and coaches of other teams expressed disdain and laid the blame on the Chinese camp.

Bulgarian singles player Alesia Zaitsave said China regularly manipulated results to avoid playing each other.

"They did so many times last year, they did not play between each other like 20 matches. They do what they want," he said.

Men's singles player Marc Zwiebler of Germany said the ROK had manipulated matches in the 2008 Thomas Cup.

"Against England they wanted to get second in their group so all the doubles players played singles and the singles players played doubles and they were just laughing on the court and let England win," Zwiebler said.

"England finished top of the group and had to play a stronger team."

China's head coach Li told one of his women's singles players to throw her semifinal at the 2004 Athens Games to allow teammate Zhang Ning to be fresher for the final against Dutchwoman Mia Audina.

Zhang duly won the gold. "If it was the case they wanted to purposely lose, then it's a big shame ... it's absolutely stupid and shameful sport," Zwieber added.

"I can understand the motives but that they have the guts to actually stand in a crowded hall and put such shame in the game, it's such a bad image for badminton."

Organizers released the draw later on Tuesday, with all of the teams involved listed in the quarterfinals.

The incidents generated heated debate in China on Wednesday with many taking to the popular micro-blogging site Sina Weibo to slam their players.

"They should be thrown out of the Olympics," wrote one user. However, some said they should be applauded for their cunning in trying to ensure golds for China.

"The competition is not just about athletic prowess. It's also about whether you can use your wits," wrote another user.