Source: Visual China Group / Shi Lihui / VCG
[Saba Sports News] The 2025 Badminton Asia Championships concluded its first matchday, with China’ s four mixed doubles pairs splitting wins and losses. Jiang Zhenbang/Wei Yaxin and Feng Yanzhe/Huang Dongping breezed past their opponents to advance, while Cheng Xing/Zhang Chi and Guo Xinwa/Chen Fanghui suffered defeats. Among the losses, Cheng Xing/Zhang Chi’s defeat was the most frustrating, sparking outcries of “biased refereeing” from fans. At 18-18 in the deciding game, the umpire suddenly issued Cheng Xing a red card. Team China protested, and the referee supervisor intervened. During the appeal, the umpire adjusted the score to 18-20, handing the opponents match point. The umpire penalized Cheng for delaying the game—having received a yellow card earlier, the third violation escalated to a red. But did Cheng really delay play? Replays showed he merely took a few steps after the shuttle landed, with no excessive actions. If such minor movements warrant penalties, many players would be penalized. Even more absurdly, while China’s coach called for the referee supervisor, the umpire penalized Cheng again, claiming he “slammed his racket” during the appeal. The controversial calls angered players, coaches, and fans, who chanted “black whistle” (biased refereeing). Ultimately, Cheng’s “delay” penalty cost them the crucial point, disrupting their rhythm and leading to a 1-2 defeat.