MALAYSIA’S Lee Chong Wei battled to a tight victory over long-time rival Lin Dan in a tight three-set China Open semifinal showdown in Fuzhou, Southeast China’s Fujian Province, on Saturday.

    The 33-year-old Malaysian demonstrated gritty resolve in his triumphant win over the Chinese badminton legend and five-time world champ, winning 17-21, 21-19, 21-19 in front of a packed house at the Haixia Olympic Sports Center.

    The two have a storied rivalry that has often seen Lin on the winning end, including two Olympic finals when the Chinese shuttler succeeded in bringing home the gold.

    The Malaysian is now just a game away from securing his second Super Series title this season, after serving out an eight-month doping ban earlier this year.

    However, a rough road lays ahead for Lee, with world No. 1 Chen Long waiting to meet the Malaysian in the final.

    (SD-Agencies)