World’s Best Doubles Badminton Player Furious with Umpire during Thomas Cup Finals

Bangkok, MINA — Indonesia’s doubles shuttler Marcus Fernaldi Gideon was seething with anger over poor umpiring after losing in a Group B tie against host Thailand in the Thomas Cup Finals at Impact Arena.,the Star Online reported.

World No. 1 Marcus and his partner Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo suffered a shock 16-21, 21-13, 12-21 defeat to Kittisak Namdash-Nipitphon Phuangphuapet in a thrilling match on Tuesday.

It was Marcus-Kevin’s first defeat in seven months. The duo have not lost any matches since winning the China Open in November.

Marcus, who just got married on April 16, was affected when his service was faulted three times in the opening game.

The new service height is now fixed at 1.15m.

“I’m not that tall and this umpire kept faulting my service. He wants me to serve above my chest?” questioned the 27-year-old Marcus, who stands at 1.68m

“I questioned the service judge few times. My game was affected.

“We are the world No. 1 and we have played for many years. I’ve never been faulted before even when this new service rule was introduced enroute to winning the All-England.

“I’m okay to lose but not in this way. This is unfair,” he said.

Prior to Marcus-Kevin’s match, Indonesia had won the first point through Anthony Ginting. (T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)