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Lee Chong wei smashes away eight years of hurt

RIO DE JANEIRO — Malaysia’s Lee Chong Wei beat two-time Olympic champion Lin Dan of China on Friday (Aug 19), avenging his last two losses to Lin in the Olympic finals and further denting once-powerful China’s grip on the sport.

RIO DE JANEIRO — Malaysian world No 1 Lee Chong Wei avenged two heartbreaking Olympic badminton final defeats to Lin Dan on Friday (Aug 19), beating his nemesis in their semi-final last night to keep his dream of Rio gold alive.

Lin took the first game 21-15 but Lee bounced back in the second, comfortably winning it 21-11 before sensationally clinching the semi-final clash with a 22-20 victory in the third.

The arch-rivals were locked at 16-16 in the final game before Lee took a 20-17 lead to give himself three match points to win it, only for Lin to dramatically haul it back to 20 all.

Lee, who has never won a world or Olympic title, lost the past two Olympic finals to his arch-rival.

He sunk to his knees as he finally beat his old foe. “This is the first time I’ve beaten Lin Dan in a big competition. Today, Lin Dan and I played a great game and I’m very proud to beat him,” a relieved Lee told reporters.

The 33-year-old said it had been a more nervy end to the match than he would have liked after letting those match points slip by.

“In 2012, I had a lead and I lost,” explained Lee.

“In my mind I was just thinking, don’t lose,” the Malaysian added.

At Beijing in 2008 Lin humiliated Lee 21-12, 21-8 in the gold medal showdown to become Olympic champion for the first time.

Four years later in London, it was far closer as the Chinese shuttler edged it 21-15, 10-21, 21-19 to become a double Olympic champion and forced Lee to collect silver for a second time.

Friday’s last-four clash was almost certain to be the last time the arch-rivals will be meeting at an Olympics with both Lee, 33 and Lin, 32, expected to have retired by the time Tokyo 2020 rolls around.

Lee said he would feel the pressure of having that elusive gold medal within touching range but would just try to go out and enjoy tonight’s final, to be played at 8.30pm, Singapore time.

The fact that Malaysia has never won an Olympic gold in any sport will add to the weight of expectation.

“Yeah, there’s more pressure on my side now as I’ve never been Olympic champion. Just one more step now. I will try my very best in the final tomorrow,” said Lee.

The Malaysian will play China’s Chen Long in the gold medal clash.

Lin’s loss is reflective of the fall of China in badminton. Several top players, including medallists from past games, have lost early in Rio.

China swept all five badminton gold medals at the 2012 London Games. AGENCIES

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