BEIJING, CHINA - China?s world number one Lin Dan clinched gold in the Olympic badminton men?s singles final here Sunday, outclassing Malaysia?s Lee Chong Wei and warning he still has much to achieve in the sport.

World champion Lin, who lost in the first round four years ago in Athens, produced a silky smooth performance that left second seed Lee outgunned, winning 21-12, 21-8 and sparking wild celebrations from the Chinese crowd.

Lin, a superstar in China where badminton is a passion, collapsed on the ground before taking off his shoes and throwing them into the crowd.

?I think this is one of the best matches of my career,? said Lin, adding he now wanted to win the Asian championships, among other major titles.

?I have waited for this gold medal for four years,? he said.

Lin wore a small gold pin of former Chinese leader Mao Zedong on his team shirt above the national flag during the match, saying his lucky charm had helped him over the line.

Before Athens four years ago, Lin and his team-mates had visited Shaoshan, the birthplace of Mao, the founder of communist China, during a training camp.

Instead of paying his respects to the chairman, Lin stayed on the bus, joked and played cards, and later lost in the first round in Athens, he said.

But in the run-up to Beijing, the squad returned to the town during training, and this time, his attitude more sincere, he paid his respects to a statue of the leader and made offerings.

?Chairman Mao is the great leader in China, he is the founder of the new China,? the back-to back world champion said.

?So after this match I think I will have to pay another visit.

Lin added that before the final he thought he would be happy with silver to match that of his girlfriend, the world?s top female shuttler Xie Xingfang, who lost her final on Saturday.

But with Xie watching from the stands, Lin oozed confidence and skill in front of a full-house at the Beijing University of Technology gymnasium.

The loss was heartbreak for the mild-mannered Lee and for Malaysia which had been counting on their champion to deliver the country?s first ever Olympic gold in any sport.

?Lin played very well today and I have no excuse for losing the match,? Lee, the world?s number two player, said.

?I feel so sorry for the loss. I hope they (the fans) don?t blame me and I can continue my badminton career and come to the Olympics again,? he said.

With the weight of a nation of his shoulders, Lee made a series of costly errors in the first game as Lin, with the Chinese crowd screaming their support, produced brilliant badminton.

Lee, 25, clawed his way back in the opener, but Lin held his nerve, aggressively attacking the net to wrap up the first game.

Lin raced to a 7-0 lead in the second before Lee started to chip away as Lin, sensing victory, made several mistakes.

But the Chinese star, who has been the world number one for most of the last four years, then steadied himself and stormed to victory.

China?s Chen Jin won bronze after he defeated South Korea?s Lee Hyunil in the play-off.