Indonesian Olympic champion Taufik Hidayat retained the badminton men's singles title at the 15th Asian Games here on Saturday.

(L-R) Lin Dan (Silver) of China and Taufik Hidayat (Gold) of Indonesia stand on the winners podium after the badminton men's singles final at Doha Asiad, Qatar, Dec. 9, 2006. (Xinhua Photo)

Taufik Hidayat (L) of Indonesia waves for victory while Lin Dan of China regretfully steps out of court after the badminton men's singles final at Doha Asiad, Qatar, Dec. 9, 2006. (Xinhua Photo)

In the blue-ribbon final, an experienced Taufik took charge in front of the net and forced Lin to make many mistakes.

After quickly winning the first set 21-15, the 25-year-old Indonesian top shuttler encountered a strong comeback from world champion Lin.

Lin Dan of China returns the shuttle back during the badminton men's singles final against Taufik Hidayat of Indonesia at Doha Asiad, Qatar, Dec. 9, 2006. (Xinhua Photo)

Lin overcame a 11-9 down in the second set by collecting six points in a row, and grabbed three match points at 20-17.

However, a self-composed Taufik patiently dealt with Lin and clinched a 22-20 victory through Lin's misplays.

Editor: Donald