More podium protests avoided as Sun Yang misses medal

FINA has avoided more controversy for one night at least after Sun Yang missed out on the podium in the 800m freestyle for a second consecutive world titles.

Two years after finishing fifth in the final, the Chinese swimmer touched home in sixth in Gwangju.

Gregorio Paltrinieri dominated the event in a European-record time of seven minutes, 39.27 seconds to take gold.

DOPING SCANDAL: Gold medal stripped in disturbing twist to Sun drama

The Italian finished 2.01 seconds clear of Norway’s Henrik Christiansen, while 2017 gold medallist Gabriele Detti could only manage fifth.

Frenchman David Aubry took bronze from Australia’s Jack McLoughlin, who maintained a solid third through the middle stages of the race before fading late.

A non-Olympic event until next year in Tokyo, the 800m freestyle was won by Sun at the 2011, 2013 and 2015 world titles.

But he has since turned his attention towards the shorter races, finding further success as Detti and Paltrinieri took hold of the 800m event.

With Paltrinieri’s victory, FINA could breathe a sigh of relief after Sun sparked dramatic scenes following Duncan Scott’s protest on Tuesday night.

‘Inadequate behaviour’

Swimming stars 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.

The governing body issued sanctions late on Tuesday night to the Chinese star and Briton Scott after extraordinary scenes following the 200m freestyle final.

Second-placed Sun was gifted the world title following Lithuania's Danas Rapsys' disqualification for a false start.

Then 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 afterwards, saying he was on ‘Team Mack’.

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

"Hopefully this will happen in more events."

Horton received a standing ovation from fellow competitors when he returned to the athletes village on Sunday night following his podium protest.

Scott's actions have also been endorsed, with world breaststroke champion Adam Peaty backing him.

Peaty said he had a problem with Sun, who was booed when he sat on his lane rope and celebrated his surprise 200m win while a shattered Rapsys left the pool.

"If people are booing him it's for a reason," Peaty said of Sun.

"He (Sun) should be asking himself now 'should I really be in this sport when people are booing me?'

"And if I was swimming (against Sun) I wouldn't even get on the podium for that matter."

with agencies