Lin Dan, the reigning Olympic champion has added another gold medal to his glittering career with a hard-fought 15-21, 21-10, 21-19 victory in today’s men’s singles final against Malaysian Lee Chong Wei, in a repeat of the final in Beijing 4 years ago.

Bsdminton’s greatest ever won his 50th tournament title.

The match lasted 79 minutes and contained some thrilling rallies as the favourite became the first man to defend an Olympic title. The Malaysian, who was number-one seed, has overcome some recent injury and personal problems in the lead-up to the tournament but secured his place in the final with a win over Chen Long, whilst Lin saw off Korean Lee Hi in his last 4 encounter.

Long did go on to win the bronze medal match before the top two seeds went head-to-head in the showdown to decide the Olympic champion, in which badminton’s all-time greatest secured another major title in an extraordinary dispectacle which saw both men play their full part.

• In the women’s final meanwhile, Li Xuerui defeated fellow Chinese player Wang Yihan to win gold. She had already enjoyed 4 tournament wins this year and placed the Olympic title next to her name with the 21-15, 21-23, 21-17 victory over her compatriot as China continues its seemingly unstoppable surge towards a gold medal cleansweep. India’s Saina Nehwal won the bronze medal match as Wang Xin retired hurt with a knee injury.

Simon Mulligan