A fired-up Lin Dan won Olympic gold for China in the men's badminton singles on Sunday with a crushing victory over Malaysia's Lee Chong Wei.
The world number one had suffered a first round exit in Athens four years ago but proved himself a class apart in Beijing, delighting the home fans with ferocious smashes and stellar net play.
Lin, known in China as ‘Super Dan,’ celebrated the win in wild style, draping a Chinese flag around himself like a cape and throwing his racket and shoes to the crowd.
The 24-year-old officer in the People's Liberation Army also delivered his trademark triumphant salute.
‘I played with a lot of dedication, and I think it was one of the best matches I've played in my career,’ said Lin.
‘After winning today I just felt total relief, the entire feeling was I just didn't know what to do.’
Lin was quickly into his stride while Lee, who was bidding to become Malaysia's first Olympic champion, simply had no answer to the barrage from the other side of the net.
The Chinese phenomenon had Lee on a string, pulling him around the court at will before sealing the first game 21-12.
Things got no better in the second game for the world number two, who puffed his cheeks and shrugged his shoulders to his coach as Lin strolled to an 8-0 lead.
The flag-waving home fans offered charitable applause when the Malaysian won his first point of the game.
‘Lin Dan played very well today, and that is the only excuse for me losing the match,’ said Lee, who won Malaysia's second-ever Olympic silver medal.
China's Chen Jin won the bronze.
This was Lin's night, with virtually every net cord going his way and nearly every close call falling on the right side of the line.
Eventually he put Lee out of his misery by winning game two 21-8, collapsing to the floor and then jumping for the rafters in celebration.
