Unseeded Thai triumphs, but sportsmanship takes a dive in Asian Games tennis showdown

[snoop1130]

 

A recent Asian Games tennis match delivered an enthralling contest between an unheralded Thai player and a highly-ranked South Korean opponent but ultimately concluded with a display of poor sportsmanship.

 

Thai tennis player, Boom Kasidit, emerged as the surprising victor, causing an upset given that Kwon Soon-woo is 112th in the world and was favourite for overall victory. The 25 year old’s response to his defeat, which involved violently smashing his racket onto the ground and refusing to extend a handshake to his 22 year old Thai counterpart, ignited a global debate.

 

Kwon is currently 112th in the world rankings, although at one point in his career, he achieved a remarkable high of 52nd and secured ten professional titles. This made him a top contender in this year’s Asian Games.

 

Speculation suggests that Kwon’s unsportsmanlike conduct might be attributed to his pending mandatory military service, which he can defer until the age of 28. Winning a gold medal in the Asian Games would have exempted him from this obligation.

 

By Nattapong Westwood

Caption: Image courtesy imgacademy on flickr

 

Full story: The Thaiger 2023-09-26

 

- Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

 

Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

[rwill]

Because he knew Thai's don't shake hands.  Just being polite.

[mikebell]

11 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Kwon Soon-woo

S Koreans are not normally this unpleasant in sporting activities.

[Bangkok Barry]

The final paragraph is probably behind it. Now he'll have to go and play soldiers. As Spurs player Son Heung-min had to do - but he accepted his fate with grace.

[Pouatchee]

I have known many south koreans. A very few were nice. Generally they had no regard for me, their tutor, cancelling lessons without prior notice. I don't know what brings out this MIMNI (me myself and i) attitide in these people. Overall, thais are much nicer. 

[Deserted]

Sore loser.

[2baht]

Loss of face!????

[Hunz Kittisak]

2 hours ago, Bangkok Barry said:

The final paragraph is probably behind it. Now he'll have to go and play soldiers. As Spurs player Son Heung-min had to do - but he accepted his fate with grace.

Son HM got an exemption 

he won the Asian games soccer gold 

[PETERTHEEATER]

11 hours ago, Bangkok Barry said:

The final paragraph is probably behind it. Now he'll have to go and play soldiers. As Spurs player Son Heung-min had to do - but he accepted his fate with grace.

She went too?

[quake]

Well done man,  you won. good job 

F, the bad looser.