Badminton's for sissies? Not true, as one Montrealer can sadly attest.
Xi Ping Zhang joined three other men in punching some birdies on October 15, 2010 at Ste. Anne College near St. Joseph in Lachine.
Zhang was paired with Zhan Chang Deng, a familiar partner, this time against men named Liu and Fan.
After a few games Zhang took position to serve. A high cross-court shot came back and Zhang looked up and backpedaled.
But his partner behind him cried out "it's mine!"
Deng took a swing from the baseline and hit the quickly-retreating Zhang in the eye. Zhang was rushed to hospital but lost the eye.
Zhang went to court against his partner and an insurance company as he considered it unreasonable to suffer such a grievous injury in a non-contact sport.
Zhang said he earned $25,00 in 2009 but had trouble finding work after due to his limited vision.
An expert came in to say that the plaintiff's limited income had nothing to do with having one eye but rather his inability to speak any language other than Mandarin. The judge found that commentary unhelpful.
Zhang's lawsuit did not, apparently, specify a requested sum but the court said that had he won, he would have likely been given $125,000.
The court noted, however that such a sport involves risk and that Badminton Quebec recommends players wear goggles while playing.
So Zhang's request was turned down in a judgment signed by Claudine Roy on March 3.
Coolopolis wishes the best for Zhang. Meanwhile, wear those protective glasses folks.
Xi Ping Zhang joined three other men in punching some birdies on October 15, 2010 at Ste. Anne College near St. Joseph in Lachine.
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| The contentious play was re-created in court (collage) |
After a few games Zhang took position to serve. A high cross-court shot came back and Zhang looked up and backpedaled.
But his partner behind him cried out "it's mine!"
Deng took a swing from the baseline and hit the quickly-retreating Zhang in the eye. Zhang was rushed to hospital but lost the eye.
Zhang went to court against his partner and an insurance company as he considered it unreasonable to suffer such a grievous injury in a non-contact sport.
Zhang said he earned $25,00 in 2009 but had trouble finding work after due to his limited vision.
An expert came in to say that the plaintiff's limited income had nothing to do with having one eye but rather his inability to speak any language other than Mandarin. The judge found that commentary unhelpful.
Zhang's lawsuit did not, apparently, specify a requested sum but the court said that had he won, he would have likely been given $125,000.
The court noted, however that such a sport involves risk and that Badminton Quebec recommends players wear goggles while playing.
So Zhang's request was turned down in a judgment signed by Claudine Roy on March 3.
Coolopolis wishes the best for Zhang. Meanwhile, wear those protective glasses folks.