Lin Dan won first title in Malaysia Open 2017

KUCHING: Five-time world champion Lin Dan finally got his hands on the Malaysia Open title when he defeated world No 1 Lee Chong Wei here on Sunday.

The Chinese two-time Olympic champion, who lost to Chong Wei in two previous finals (2005, 2006), made sure he got it right the third time, when he notched a 21-19, 21-14 win at the Perpaduan Stadium in Petra Jaya.

The victory also sees Lin Dan avenge his defeat to Chong Wei at the 2006 edition in the same stadium, when he squandered a 20-13 lead in the third game to lose the match 21-18, 18-21, 23-21.

Lin Dan, who will compete at the Singapore Open next, pocketed US$45,000 in prize money, while Chong Wei, disappointed not to win his 12th Malaysia Open crown, settled for US$22,800.