An "outstanding" 17-year-old Chinese badminton player died of cardiac arrest after collapsing on court during a tournament in Indonesia, officials said.
Zhang Zhijie was suddenly taken ill during a match late Sunday against Japan's Kazuma Kawano at the Asia Junior Championships in Yogyakarta. The score was 11-11 in the first game when Zhang fell to the floor between points.
The teenager received treatment at the venue and was taken to hospital by ambulance, but repeated efforts to resuscitate him failed.
"Medical conclusions ... indicated that the victim experienced sudden cardiac arrest," said Broto Happy, spokesman for the Badminton Association of Indonesia.
He defended the medical staff and local organizers after footage showed what appeared to be a hesitant response to the teenager falling face down on the court. Medical teams had to wait for the referee to let them on the court, he explained.
"The world of badminton has lost a talented player," Badminton Asia and the Indonesian federation said.
Zhang started playing badminton in kindergarten and joined China's national youth team last year. He won the singles title at the prestigious Dutch Junior International this year.
China's badminton association said it was "deeply saddened."
"Zhang Zhijie loved badminton and was an outstanding athlete of the national youth badminton team," the CBA said.
The tournament held a moment's silence yesterday and China players wore black armbands as a mark of respect before the competition carried on. China beat Taiwan 3-0.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Players and coaches hold a momen'ts silence in honor of Zhang Zhijie. AFP
