Off Track ..... Chairman Mao badge was Lin's lucky charm

After Sunday's convincing triumph in the men's badminton singles final, China's Lin Dan was asked the secret to his success.

"The badge of Chairman Mao (Zedong)," he said matter-of-factly.

The shuttler known as "Super Dan" had pinned the badge above the Chinese flag embroidered on his T-shirt. It was so small hardly anyone could see it. "Do you think the badge of Chairman Mao will bring you strength and inspiration?" asked one journalist.