Chile lose as Garin refuses to play after collision

Cristian Garin had just had his serve broken by Zizou Bergs when the incident happened

Chile lost their Davis Cup qualifier against Belgium when Cristian Garin refused to continue playing after being knocked over by opponent Zizou Bergs.

At a changeover during their singles match in Hasselt, a celebrating and leaping Bergs struck him in the face with his right shoulder.

Bergs apologised immediately and Garin was cleared to play after receiving medical attention.

Bergs was given a code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct but Chile called for him to be disqualified.

Garin was given three successive time violations for refusing to play, resulting in a game penalty to hand Berg a 6-3 4-6 7-5 victory and ensure Belgium won the tie 3-1.

An International Tennis Federation statement read: "This was a rare, unfortunate and very delicate situation and everyone involved, including the independent doctor, conducted due diligence based on rules and procedures.

"We understand the emotions attached to this unusual incident, but the final decision was made after consideration of all the facts and unique circumstances around it."

Chile's Olympic committee said it was "upset and incredulous" with the situation, and that it would support the Chilean tennis federation "so that this shameful international incident does not go unpunished".