National badminton ace, Datuk Lee Chong Wei failed in his bid to clinch the trophy that has eluded his collection during the final of the 2014 BWF Badminton World Championships in Denmark on Sunday.

The Penang born shuttler however provided a stiff challenge to world number two Chen Long of China, but succumbed 19-21, 19-21 in 67 minutes, in what was a nail-biting affair all the way.

Despite not having fully recovered from a groin injury, the Penangite showed no signs of it and started the match on an aggressive note, but failed to clinch the first set, losing 19-21 in 37 minutes.

He upped the ante in the second set, providing some tough shots for Chen Long, but again failed to break the Chinese top seed.

Chong Wei, 31, had hoped to capitalise on the absence of leading rival and five-time world champion Lin of China, who failed to qualify after taking an eight-month sabbatical following last year’s showdown in Guangzhou.

Chong Wei had been runner-up to Lin Dan at the past two world events as well as the 2008 and 2013 Olympic Games.