Zhang Jike, the Chinese table tennis player who won the Liebherr Men’s World Cup final in Düsseldorf on Sunday, has had his winner’s purse withheld.

Zhang Jike's Prize Money Withheld

Upon besting Ma Long in the table tennis tournament, Zhang celebrated with enthusiasm – too much enthusiasm, according to the International Table Tennis Federation, reported The Guardian. Zhang kicked a pair of advertising boards and then headed over the opposite side of the arena to destroy a few more with his legs. After his show of strength, Zhang ripped off his shirt and threw it into the stands.

The Interntional Table Tennis Federation subsequently stripped Zhang of his prize money, which amounted to roughly $45,000 USD.

In light of his punishment, Zhang released an apology, which reads, “I am very sorry for what I did. “It was not acceptable behaviour and I am sorry. This was a perfect victory, I have been under a great deal of pressure, with people questioning my form."

Zhang also took to Facebook, where he offered a more elaborate apology: "No matter what kind of honor I won today, I didn't handle my celebration with calmness and rationality. For a long time, I have been withstanding a lot of pressure but I shouldn't bring such mood into the arena. I didn't consider the impact on the team and the event itself. I apologize to everyone."