Epic Lin-Lee showpiece ends up with no loser

Lin Dan of China reacts after losing his badmiton men's singles semifinal against Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia during the 2016 Rio Olympics, Aug 19, 2016. [Photo by Wei Xiaohao/China Daily]

Malaysia's Lee Chong Wei shrugged off eight years of Olympic heartbreak on Friday to defeat his nemesis Lin Dan 15-21 21-11 22-20 and reach the final of the men's badminton after another classic encounter.

Having succumbed to Lin in the gold medal deciders at London and Beijing, top seed Lee gained sweet revenge by downing the Chinese great after a decisive set of unrelenting tension.

Struggling with fatigue and huge mental pressure, the veteran rivals battled point-for-point before Lee broke away late to secure three match points.

Lin saved them all but Lee sealed the fourth with a nerveless cross-court volley to raise thunderous cheers from Malaysian fans.

Lee will fight for the gold against the winner of Chinese world champion Chen Long and Dane Viktor Axelsen who play in the other semi-final later on Friday.