LCW Makes Retirement U-Turn, Says He Will Be Back Next Year

Malaysia's badminton hero Lee Chong Wei sounded a warning to his heir apparents, saying that he will return to Birmingham next year to defend his All England crown.

The 34-year-old made the claim after defeating China's Shi Yuqi 21-12, 21-10 in the men's singles final on Sunday.

This was the world number one's fourth career All England title. He previously won the title in 2010, 2011 and 2014.

"I would like to thank all my fans here. The All England is my favourite tournament.

"I feel like playing at home, I will definitely come back to defend my title here. Yes, I will come back," he was quoted by the New Straits Times as saying.

Chong Wei, who almost missed out on the tournament after tearing a ligament in his knee last month, took home a cool US$45,000 (around RM200,500) for his dominant display at this year's championship.

The Olympics silver medalist has hinted time and time again that 2017 could be his swansong year, but we guess winning (and the prize money, of course) will make you do crazy things, huh?