SEOUL • The funeral of South Korea's Chung Jae Sung took place yesterday, with his former doubles partner Lee Yong Dae helping to carry the coffin after the 35-year-old Olympic badminton medallist died of a suspected heart attack.

Chung was found dead by his wife in their living room on Friday morning, but the exact cause of his death is under investigation.

He was diagnosed with the heart condition arrhythmia three years ago and complained of occasional chest pains, Yonhap News Agency reported, quoting bereaved family members.

In January, Chung had participated in the torch relay for the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics as one of the bearers of the flame.

Chung and Lee won bronze in the men's doubles at the 2012 London Olympics - Chung's final tournament before retiring.

The pair also lifted two prestigious All-England titles in 2008 and 2012, and reached world No. 1 in January 2009.

Lee, who played with Chung for seven years, joined other badminton players as pall-bearers for the service in Suwon, as Chung's death was mourned across the global badminton community.

"I am truly sorry to hear of the loss of badminton legend (Chung) Jae Sung," said former world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia, who is currently ranked second.

British mixed doubles player Chris Adcock posted a photo of Chung on Instagram, calling him "an amazing player" and "legend of the game".

India's Saina Nehwal tweeted: "#RIPJungJaesung #Great Legend! Prayers and condolences to his family and friends! Sad day for badminton."

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE