Update | Super Dan back on top of the world once more
Despite hardly playing over the last year, Chinese star proves too strong for old rival Lee
Flamboyant Lin Dan is back.
Despite hardly playing since winning the Olympic gold medal last summer, the Chinese ace proved he is still the best in the world.
As heavyweights China had one of their worst ever world championships, they had the 30-year-old veteran to thank for saving their pride with his victory over rival Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia in the men's singles final.
Playing only his second tournament in 12 months, Lin clinched a record fifth world title by overcoming Lee, who had to retire with Lin on match point. Lin won 16-21, 21-13, 20-17 in front of an excited crowd of 7,000 at Tianhe Stadium.
Lee, who had a tough three-game win the previous night in the semis, apparently suffered from muscle cramps in the closing stages and could not continue.
The result was a repeat of last year's London Games final, when Lin also prevailed in three games to snatch back-to-back Olympic golds; Lin also beat Lee in the last worlds in 2011.
Lee had to limp off the court before being stretchered into an ambulance heading for hospital.