Officials at the semi-finals of the women's epee fencing were booed by spectators after a controversial decision left a South Korean athlete weeping and refusing to leave the stage. Shin Lam was one second away from winning against reigning Olympic gold medallist Britta Heidemann of Germany. But the Austrian referee allowed no fewer than three quick bouts in the final second - on the last of which, Heidemann snatched victory. Faced with a furious reaction from South Korea's coach, officials at the Excel Centre conferred for 25 minutes, while Shin and Heidemann waited on the stage. Finally they backed the referee's original decision to award the semi-final - and a guaranteed gold or silver medal - to the 29-year-old German. While a jubilant Heidemann left the stage, Shin - weeping uncontrollably - stayed where she was for 45 minutes as her team lodged a written complaint. Audience members slow-clapped their frustration as the 25-year-old South Korean sat with her head in her hands or wandered disconsolately on the stage. When the appeal was rejected, confirming Heidemann's win, Shin still had to be persuaded to leave the stage. She returned several minutes later to an ovation for the bronze medal match against world number one Sun Yujie. The referee and his assistants were booed and jeered by the crowd as they were introduced. Shin took the lead in the match, to the crowd's delight, but eventually lost, Sun taking the bronze.
Shin decisionOfficials at the semi-finals of the women's epee fencing were booed by spectators after a controversial decision left a South Korean athlete weeping and refusing to leave the stage.Shin Lam was one second away from winning against reigni