Chinese superstar Lin Dan took the world title for a fifth time after his arch rival Lee Chong Wei was stretchered off the court in the third game. The current world number one from Malaysia dropped to his haunches at 19-16 down, and then tried to recover.

Lin, 29, is widely regarded as the best player of all time and was given a wildcard into the event in Guangzhou, China, after taking a year off.

He was closing in on victory when Lee was struck by cramp, and Lin took the title 16-21 21-13 20-17.

“I really wanted to help. I went over. He didn’t want to give up."