Advertisement

'He is filthy': Controversial result that sparked latest Sun Yang drama

Yahoo Sport Australia

While the final of the men’s 200 metres freestyle at the FINA World Championship will likely be remembered for Sun Yang’s controversial behaviour after the medal ceremony, the moment that sparked it has been lost in the wash.

The controversial Chinese swimmer claimed the gold medal after Lithuania’s Danas Rapsys, who was first to the wall, was disqualified for a false start.

Rapsys moved by just a fraction on the block before the starting buzzer - enough for officials to slap him with a DQ.

The disqualification also promoted British swimmer Duncan Scott to third place - which ultimately resulted in the second protest of a Yang victory at this World Championships.

Scott later told the BBC he was disappointed to have reached the podium in such fashion.

Danas Rapsys, pictured left, was first to finish the 200m freestyle final, but his disqualification handed victory to China's Sun Yang, pictured right.
Lithuanian swimmer Danas Rapsys was first to finish the 200m freestyle final, but his disqualification handed victory to China's Sun Yang. Pictures: Getty Images

"I'm pretty disappointed with the time but when you get to this level time goes out the window and it's about getting in the top three.

"I think (Rapsys' DQ) it was his start, there aren't many other ways in freestyle.

"It's hard as I'm gaining off someone else's misfortune and I would have liked to have won it outright, but I'll take it."

Rapsys was less than pleased with the disqualification, quickly leaving the pool in frustration.

Swimming world erupts over Sun Yang ‘disgrace’

Swimming stars and fans have condemned Sun Yang over ugly scenes at the world championships on Tuesday.

FINA were forced to send out more warning letters over another podium protest directed at Sun in South Korea.

Scott followed the lead of Australia's Mack Horton and refused to acknowledge the Chinese star at the medal ceremony.

Co-bronze medallist Scott stood on the podium but did not shake the triple Olympic champion's hand or took part in the ceremony's photo shoot, prompting an angry reaction from the now 11-time world champion Sun.

Sun could be seen gesticulating wildly at Scott post-ceremony, with TV cameras capturing the Chinese champion saying: "You loser, I am winning".

Scott kept his cool during the exchange, smiling at Sun but both the Briton and the Chinese swimmer were soon issued with warning letters from FINA for their "inadequate behaviour".

Scott showed no sign of backing down after the controversial 200m ceremony drama, saying he was "Team Mack".

"If (Sun) can't respect our sport, then why should I respect him?," Scott said.

"Hopefully this will happen in more events."