Rio Olympics 2016: Chen Long inflicts heartache on Lee Chong Wei as China retain badminton gold

Rio de Janeiro: China`s Chen Long inflicted more Olympic heartache on Malaysia`s Lee Chong Wei with a straight games win for gold in the men`s badminton singles final on Saturday.

Chen took both games 21-18 to consign Lee to a third consecutive defeat in an Olympic Games final.

It was a first gold medal for world number two Chen, who won bronze at London 2012, but a third straight silver for the top-ranked Lee.

Despite being one of the sport`s most accomplished players, the Malaysian has never won a world or Olympic title.

He lost the previous two Games finals to Chinese arch-rival Lin Dan.

At the age of 33 it is virtually certain that his career will end without that elusive Olympic gold medal while Malaysia`s hunt for a first gold in any sport continues.

Chen 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 Malaysian and Chen celebrated by running with his shirt off to the Chinese fans at the Riocentro venue.