The success of the national champion Lee Chong Wei in defeating his nemesis Lin Dan in the semi final of the Rio Olympic was an epic.

Former Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Elyas Omar said the world number one player had found his self-confidence to finally realise the gold dream awaited by the whole nation.

Elyas was optimistic that with his win tonight, Chong Wei had a bright chance to defeat his next opponent, who is the world number two Chen Long after the player from China defeated Viktor Axelsen from Denmark in another semi-final tonight.

“For me, Lin Dan had often made Chong Wei have a mental block... so after beating Lin Dan, it should be no problem for him anymore to meet Chen Long or even Viktor Axelsen.

“Chen Long is easier to guess... it will be easier for Chong Wei to predict his moves,” he said.

Elyas, however, did not rule out that Chong Wei would face stiff fight in the final, scheduled for tomorrow night.

Chong Wei defeated Lin Dan 15-21, 21-15 and 22-20 in the Olympics badminton semifinal, tonight.

Meanwhile, BAM vice-president Mohamad Norza Zakaria said Chong Wei has transformed into a perfect and matured player after making a comeback from the doping case, last year.

“It was an epic match. Chong Wei has given his everything for Malaysians. The victory was very sweet.

“I am confident that Chong Wei will grab the gold in the final tomorrow. Please continue to support Chong Wei," he said to Bernama.

- Bernama