The disqualified players included the world champions from China — Wang Xiaoli and Yu Yang, as well as the bronze-medal favorites Ha Jung-eun and Kim Min Jung of South Korea.

They lost on purpose to avoid playing the 2nd best team (also Chinese) in the world in the quarterfinals.

IOC vice president applauded the decision Of the Badminton World Federation: "Sport is competitive. If you lose the competitive element, then the whole thing becomes nonsense. You cannot allow a player to abuse the tournament like that, and not take firm action. So good on them."

It is wrong to lose on purpose.

Video of disqualifying match.