Chinese badminton superstar Lin Dan dumped world number one Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia 2-1 (22-20, 12-21, 21-9) in a breathtaking semifinal clash on Sunday afternoon, paving the way to defend his Asian Games title.

After coming from behind to take the first game 22-20, Lin committed too many unforced errors in the second, losing 21-12.

However, Lin pulled himself together in the deciding game, overwhelming Lee with fierce smashes and delicate stroke play that just floated the shuttle over the net.

"I treasure this match a lot. Though there were many difficulties such as misjudgement by the umpire and the wind over the court, I tried to readjust my mindset," Lin Dan said after the match.

Hailing Lee a great rival, Lin Dan admitted that as Lee and he are over 30 years old, their mentality is different from when they were still juniors.

Lee, meanwhile, said the result is acceptable. "I have tried my best. Lin was very confident, and I could not follow his rythm in the third game," he said.

The long-time rivals met 31 times before these Games, with Lin winning 22.

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