Badminton: Bizarre fight breaks out between London 2012 partners at the Canada Open

Bodin Issara of Thailand chased his former partner Maneepong Jongjit across two courts before throwing him to the floor and repeatedly punching and kicking him

Badminton players Issara Bodin (R) and Jongjit Maneepong of Thailand celebrate (GETTY IMAGES)

The Badminton World Federation has launched an investigation into a fight that broke out between two former doubles partner's at the Badminton Canada Open.

Bodin Issara appeared to punch compatriot Maneepong Jongjit - with whom he competed at the London 2012 Olympics as they represented Thailand- after chasing him onto a neighbouring court during a change of ends in the men's doubles final.

The two had to be separated by coaches and officials, and the attack came after the pair had already been warned by the referee following a verbal exchange earlier in the match.

Issara and his partner Vilailak Pakkawat were promptly disqualified, with Jongjit and Nipitphon Puangpuapech awarded victory.

A statement from the world governing body read: "The Badminton World Federation is aware of an incident which occurred during the finals of the Yonex Canada Grand Prix tournament on Sunday.

"The men's doubles final ended in unusual circumstances, with a black card being issued to Thailand pair, Bodin Issara and Pakkawat Vilailak, who were disqualified.

"Their opponents were another Thai duo, Maneepong Jongjit and Nipitphon Puangpuapech.

"The events surrounding the conclusion of this match will be thoroughly investigated by the BWF.

"The world governing body has procedures in place to deal with such situations and this matter will be referred to the disciplinary committee.

"Until this process is concluded there will be no further comment by the BWF."

Jongjit and Issara reached the quarter-finals at London 2012 but split up in January when the latter announced his retirement, citing injury and a need to care for his mother.

But the 22-year-old returned to  competition with a new partner soon after the announcement.

This latest incident brings the BWF further unwanted negative publicity just a fortnight before their showpiece World Championships in China.

A year ago the Olympic badminton tournament was marred by a match-fixing scandal involving four women's doubles pairs, who were all disqualified from the quarter-final stage after they did their best to lose a match.

Watch the incident below...