Rio de Janeiro: World No. 1 men’s singles shuttler Lee Chong Wei once again had to settle for Olympic silver after he lost to World No. 2 Chen Long in the Rio Olympic final on Saturday.
Lee seemed a little bit tense in the beginning of first set, allowing Chen Long to open up a 4-0 lead before Lee found his rhythm to reverse the lead at 5-4.
Lee Chong Wei then surged ahead with 11-7 and then 14-10, before Chen Long levelled the score at 14-14.
Chen Long took advantage of Lee’s mistake on the net to move ahead at 20-17 before winning the first set 21-18 with a smash.
The encouraging first set victory had boosted Chen Long’s confident greatly, he went on a smashing spree to lead the second set 4-1, 5-2, and 11-8.
Chen then maintained at least a three-point lead until 20-16. Yet, some late surge from Lee in the second set to 18-20 had put the heat back on Chen Long before Lee sent the shuttle out to lose at 18-21.
Lee who lost to Lin Dan at the 2008 Beijing and 2012 London finals, was dejected after the loss.
“I’m really sorry to disappoint the Malaysians. I tried my best, but Chen Long really played better today,” said Lee.
“He came into the match well prepared and was very strong defensively.”
“I played better today compared to the 2012 Olympics and all the World Championships. It’s just not my day.”
“My only regret is I could only win a silver medal for the third time.”
When asked about his immediate plan, Lee said he can’t wait to go home after spending few weeks in Rio.
“I want to go home to see my kids. I really miss them.”
Earlier, two-time Olympic champion Lin Dan lost to Dane Viktor Axelson 21-15, 10-21, 17-21 in the 70-minute bronze medal playoff.
