亚运专题：“超级丹”的全满贯之路

By the beginning of 2004, Lin Dan was already world number one at age 20. He started off the year by winning his first All England title by beating Peter Gade of Denmark. In May, Lin Dan played a major role in bringing the Thomas Cup back to China after a long domination by Indonesia.

In May 2005, Lin Dan and his compatriots brought back the Sudirman Cup to China, where in 2003 they had lost to South Korea. In August, Lin Dan reached his first World Championship final, but lost to the talented Indonesian, Taufik Hidayat.

In September 2006, Lin Dan won his first World Championship by beating fellow compatriot Bao Chunlai in a three game thriller. Subsequently, Lin Dan regained his world number one status which had been briefly occupied by Lee Chong Wei. Lin Dan lost once again to Taufik Hidayat, this time in the final of the Asian Games in Doha.

In the Olympic Games, Lin Dan was undoubtedly the local hero and heavy favourite. He faced teammate Chen Jin in the semi-finals and beat him handily in two sets. This vaulted him into the finals where he was set to meet Lee Chong Wei. The dream match had finally come as the World No. 1 and 2 were set to battle it out for badminton's most prestigious title. It was supposed to be a tough match for both players, but Lin Dan grabbed the gold as he overwhelmed the Malaysian in a one-sided two-setter 21–12, 21–8. Lin Dan thus became the first men's singles player ever to win the All England title, world championship title, and the Olympic gold medal.

Lin Dan finally snatched the only title missing from his international honor collection of badminton at the Guangzhou Asian Games. He roared with both fists high in the air after he won over Malaysia's world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei in the men's singles final late Sunday evening. "Super Dan" wrapped badminton Grand Slam!