Chinese badminton ace Lin Dan clinched the Malaysia Open Sunday after an electric performance against countryman Chen Long to claim his first major title in two years.
The win comes after the five-time world champion made several early round exits since January, including at the Indonesia Masters, German Open and the All-England.
But in a nail-biting 78-minute match, the world number 16 smashed his way back to victory with a final score that tallied 9-21, 21-7, 21-11.
Speaking to reporters afterwards, Lin said his game against two-time world champion Chen was a sign that his spate of bad luck was finally over.
"My performance last year was not ideal, and I was under a lot of pressure and even doubted myself," he said.
"But here in Malaysia, I was determined to play well and was hungry for victory ... I think the bad times are over."
Results (x denotes seeding)
Men's singles
Lin Dan (CHN) bt Chen Long (CHNx4) 9-21, 21-17, 21-11
Women's singles
Tai Tzu-ying (TPEx1) bt Akane Yamaguchi (JPNx4) 21-16, 21-19
Men's doubles
Li Junhui-Liu Yuchen (CHNx2) bt Takeshi Kamura-Keigo Sonoda (JPNx3) 21-12, 21-17
Women's doubles
Chen Qingchen-Jia Yifan (CHNx5) bt Du Yue-Li Yinhui (CHN) 21-14, 21-15
Mixed doubles
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