Rio Olympics: China's Chen Long wins men's singles badminton gold

Rio de Janeiro, Aug 20: China's Chen Long inflicted more Olympic heartache on Malaysia's Lee Chong Wei with a straight games win for gold in the men's badminton singles final at Rio Olympics today (August 20).

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Chen took both games 21-18 to consign Lee to a third consecutive defeat in an Olympic Games final. It was a first gold medal for world number two Chen, who won bronze at London 2012, but a third straight silver for the top-ranked Lee.

Chen Long weeps after defeating Malaysia's Lee Chong Wei to win gold

Despite being one of the sport's most accomplished players, the Malaysian has never won a world or Olympic title.

He lost the previous two Games finals to Chinese arch-rival Lin Dan. At the age of 33 it is virtually certain that his career will end without that elusive Olympic gold medal while Malaysia's hunt for a first gold in any sport continues.

Chen took an early 11-8 lead in what turned out to be the deciding game before stretching his hold over Lee to 20-15.

There was no way back for the quiet Malaysian and Chen celebrated by running with his shirt off to the Chinese fans at the Riocentro venue.

AFP