Kuala Lumpur: Ratchanok Intanon bears "no fault" despite testing positive for doping, world badminton governing body said on Thursday, clearing the path for the Thai star to compete in the 2020 Olympics after another close brush with a possible suspension.
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) said the Thai world No.5 was found to be in violation of anti-doping regulations in an out-of-competition test in April.
But Ratchanok was able to prove that the low amount of the banned substance clenbuterol was related to meat she had eaten at a barbeque restaurant.
"She was found to bear no fault or negligence for the violation, and thus no period of ineligibility has been imposed on her," the statement said.
The conclusion was reached after taking into account the sufficiently low concentration of clenbuterol in her system, according to the 26-page doping panel decision.
It also cited positive tests of clenbuterol from at least eight other samples collected from the restaurant where Ratchanok had eaten meat.
The Badminton Association of Thailand celebrated the decision in a statement saying Ratchanok was "confident" she did not do anything wrong.
"Doping is a very big issue and it's something the Badminton Association of Thailand tries to give knowledge to athletes and coaches so that they can avoid being found guilty of doping under any circumstances," said Patama, the BAT president.
"I would like to thank Banthongyord Badminton Club [Ratchanok's club] for fully cooperating with the association and providing all the required information. I also would like to thank the Badminton World Federation for swiftly reaching the conclusion after reviewing the additional information from the player.
"Now that Ratchanok is all cleared of the doping allegations, she can fully concentrate on her training and focus on next year's Olympics in Tokyo," she added.
It was the second close call with drug tests for Ratchanok, who broke down in tears in 2016 when she was cleared of doping.
Back then it was ruled that the detected substance had been administered for a tendon injury and was therefore permissible.
Ratchanok became the youngest world champion in 2013 at 18 and was the first Thai to reach No.1 in the world in 2016. She has so far won two titles this year and was a runner-up at the Korea Open last month.