This article was first published 8 years ago

Lee defeats nemesis Lin to reach badminton final

Share:

Last updated on: August 19, 2016 19:52 IST

Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia celebrates after defeating Lin Dan of China to win the Men's Singles Badminton gold at Riocentro on Friday

IMAGE: Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia celebrates after defeating Lin Dan of China to reach the Men's Singles Badminton final at Riocentro on Friday. Photograph: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Malaysia's Lee Chong Wei shrugged off eight years of Olympic heartbreak on Friday to defeat his nemesis Lin Dan 15-21, 21-11, 22-20 and reach the final of the men's badminton after another classic encounter.

Having succumbed to Lin in the gold medal deciders at London and Beijing, top seed Lee gained sweet revenge by dumping out the Chinese great after a decisive set of unrelenting tension.

Struggling with fatigue and huge mental pressure, the veteran rivals battled point-for-point before Lee broke away late to secure three match points.

Lin saved them all but Lee sealed the fourth with a nerveless cross-court volley to raise thunderous cheers from Malaysian fans.

Lee will fight for the gold against the winner of Chinese world champion Chen Long and Dane Viktor Axelsen who play in the other semi-final later on Friday.

Get Rediff News in your Inbox:
Share: