Lin Dan of China lifts the trophy on March 11, 2012 following his victory over Lee Chon Wei of Malaysia during the men's singles final of the All-England Open badminton championships at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham.

Lin Dan of China won his record fifth All England Open badminton title when defending champion Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia withdrew due to a shoulder injury in Sunday's final.

The setback, which happened to current world NO. 1 with the score at 21-19, 6-2 to Lin, denied Lee the chance of becoming the first man since the 1970s to win the title three times in a row.

Chong Wei, who played with his right shoulder heavily strapped, said: "The injury happened on Friday and it has been quite difficult. I didn't want to push myself too much in this Olympic year."

There had been some doubt whether Chong Wei would even start the final but he appeared on time to the delight of a near capacity 8,000 crowd at the National Indoor Arena.

But he needed treatment 15 minutes into the match when trailing 15-12 and again at the break after the first game. Then it soon became clear early in the second set he could not carry on and the two men shook hands after 31 minutes.

Lin, the Olympic and world champion, told the crowd: "I hope the injury does not affect him too much and we can meet at the Olympics again."