India, Jan. 14 -- World No. 3 Anders Antonsen broke his silence on withdrawing from the ongoing India Open Super 750 badminton tournament in Delhi on Wednesday. The four-time World Championships medalist blamed his decision to withdraw on Delhi's pollution.

Antonsen has also been fined by BWF for not participating in the tournament. According to BWF rules and regulations, it is compulsory for 'Top Committed Players' (top 15 singles players and top 10 doubles pairs) to participate in the World Tour 750, World Tour 1000 events and the World Tour Finals, barring any injury or medical exemption. Failure to participate without a valid reason leads to players being fined above the usual late withdrawal fees.

Posting on his Instagram story, An...