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RIO DE JANEIRO: Malaysia’s Lee Chong Wei lamented a third consecutive Olympic final defeat on Saturday after China’s Chen Long beat the world number one in straight games for men’s badminton singles gold.
“Today leaves me with some regrets,” said Lee, putting on a brave face following his 21-18, 21-18 defeat to second-ranked Chen, who became Olympic champion for the first time.
“I went into the finals in three Olympics and came away with three silver medals.
“For me, for Malaysia, for the fans, I think we all hoped we could win the gold. I did my best but my opponent played better,” the 33-year-old added graciously.
Despite being one of the sport’s most accomplished players, the Malaysian has never won a world or Olympic title and will retire without that elusive gold medal.
“This was my last Olympics,” Lee said, but added that he wasn’t able to think about when he will lay down his racquet for good so soon after another heartbreaking defeat.
“I can’t think so much right now but this will be my last Olympics,” said the shuttler.
It was a first gold medal for London 2012 bronze medallist Chen. He 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 Lee and Chen celebrated by running with his shirt off to the Chinese fans at the Riocentro venue after inflicting more Olympic heartache on the Malaysian.
Lee lost the previous two finals at the Olympic Games, in Beijing and London, to Chinese arch-rival and badminton superstar Lin Dan.
He fought his way back to the top of the rankings after returning from a doping ban last year for a final shot at Olympic glory.
Lee finally overcame his nemesis Lin in their last-four clash in Brazil and the end of the Rio Games brings the curtain down on their Olympic rivalry.
But Lee said he wished it could have finished differently.
“It’s the fourth Olympics for both of us and we have played against each other so many times.
“After beating Lin Dan I wasn’t that happy because I could really see our match being the big final.
“I think this will definitely be the last competition for both of us,” Lee added.
His defeat meant Malaysia’s hunt for a first Olympic gold in any sport continues.
“We still need a gold medal and I hope in 2020 in Tokyo we can achieve that,” said Lee, who added that he had no words for the Malaysian people following his loss.
World number two Chen said he had been determined to ensure that the men’s singles title stayed with China after Lin was dumped out by Lee.
“The key here was that a Chinese man won badminton gold. It was a little bit unexpected for me but all the hard work has paid off,” he told reporters.
Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen defeated Lin 15-21, 21-10, 21-17 to claim bronze.