Hong Kong’s Lee Cheuk-yiu stunned to learn of competitor’s match-fixing approach during his New Zealand Open triumph

Men’s singles champion Lee Cheuk-yiu of Hong Kong said he was in the dark about a match-fixing allegation involving another player that hit the New Zealand Open, which he won on Sunday.

The 21-year-old had earlier stunned top seed Wang Tzu-Wei of Taiwan 2-1 in the final to claim victory at the US$120,000 grand prix gold event, which was his first major title since turning professional five years ago.

However, according to a report on Stuff.co.nz, another unnamed competitor said he was approached at the event by a person who tried to enlist him in a match-fixing plot, an offer the player rejected.

The article says the player immediately reported the approach to tournament officials.

Badminton New Zealand chief executive Joe Hitchcock confirmed the approach had occurred after the conclusion of the tournament.

But Lee, who returned to Hong Kong after his triumph to continue preparations for the National Games, did not know of anything untoward occurring during the tournament.

“I have not heard of [match fixing] and nor am I aware of anything like this,” said a shocked Lee. “I was approached by no one during the event, and we all know this is against the rules of the game.”