PETALING JAYA: China’s five-time world champion Lin Dan dedicated the Mandarin song ‘Peng You Bie Ku’ (Don’t Cry My Friend) by Liu Fang to wish his long-time rival and friend Lee Chong Wei a happy retirement.
“Now I’m left alone, I no longer have a companion,” he posted on the Chinese social media platform Weibo.
They were not just fierce rivals on the international stage but are also the best of friends outside the court.
Chong Wei and Lin Dan both share a passion for fast cars and watches. They even invited each other to their weddings.
Interestingly, both got married to top women shuttlers in the same year. Chong Wei tied the knot with former China Open champion Wong Mew Choo after a long courtship while Lin Dan married former world champion Xie Xingfang in 2012.
It is their on-court battles that badminton fans all over the world will miss.
Lin Dan sharp smashes and drop shots against Chong Wei’s fierce determination and fighting spirit make any match between them a nail-biting experience for viewers.
They have clashed 40 times with Lin Dan winning 28.
Chong Wei has always performed much better in his home country, beating Lin Dan two years in a row in the Malaysian Open (2006 and 2007).
Many Malaysians will remember their first Olympic battle in Beijing in 2008 where they were hoping Chong Wei will end the long wait for an Olympic gold medal. But Lin Dan reigned supreme, blowing Chong Wei away in straight games in the final.
Their second Olympic encounter in London in 2012 was also heartbreaking for the Malaysian.
Chong Wei finally triumphed over his long-time rival in their third meeting at the Rio Games in 2016. Both greats played an epic semi-final match and Chong Wei prevailed 15-21, 21-11, 22-20 after more than one hour to reach the final.
They embraced each other and exchanged shirts before exiting the court, an indication of their long friendship they enjoyed as they head into the twilight of their respective careers.
Lin Dan has been criticised for his arrogance in the past but he showed no trace of it when it comes to dealing with Chong Wei.
Despite the number of wins on his side, Lin Dan has always been humble and never fails to express his admiration for his rival.
“I have played against many players but I will always consider Lee Chong Wei as my toughest competitor. I treasure the opportunities to play him,” he said in an interview.
Lin Dan did not celebrate but consoled Chong Wei after the latter was forced to abandon his game in the decider while trailing 17-20 after coming down with cramps in their World Championship final clash in Guangzhou in 2013.
The two are the badminton equivalents of tennis’ Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer as they keep churning out their best despite their age.
With Chong Wei’s retirement, it’s anybody’s guess whether the world of badminton will witness such intense rivalry again.
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