Lin wins year's first title, Lee shows up to congratulate

KUALA LUMPUR - Veteran Lin Dan won the all-Chinese final to take the men's singles title at the Malaysia Open badminton tournament here on Sunday.

Lin, the two-time Olympic champion, rallied from one set down to beat compatriot Chen Long 9-21, 21-17 and 21-11 in the final that lasted one hour and 18 minutes.

On his first title of the year, the 35-year-old Lin said that "it demonstrated that my previous training was effective, more importantly, it gave me confidence."

His long-time rival Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia, who is still recovering from a nose cancer last year, showed up at the award ceremony of the men's singles as the former world No. 1 opted to skip the Malaysia Open under the advice of his doctor.

"He congratulated me on my performance," said Lin. "He looks pretty well, I am sure we will meet again at the court."