Li Xuerui wins gold in women's single badminton

Li Xuerui has won the gold medal in women's single badminton at the London Olympics following a thrilling victory over compatriot Wang Yihan in the final.

The 21-year-old defeated her fellow Chinese competitor by two games to one on Saturday afternoon.

Li won the first game against Wang 21-15 but lost the second by a narrow margin of 23-21.

However, Li found her rhythm back in the third and decisive game, winning it 21-17.

Meanwhile, Saina Nehwal of India won the bronze medal after being declared the winner following the withdrawal of Wang Xin with an injured knee.

Wang Xin won the first game 21-18 but strained her knee before claiming the final point. She received medical attention before claiming the game, but limped off the court with the score 1-0 in her favour in the second game.

Nehwal's medal was India's third at the London 2012 Games.