Chen Long

Born in Shashi City, Hubei Province, Chen had shown his talent as a badminton player when he was young, and entered the Sports School in Jingzhou at the age of seven in 1996. In 2000, he joined the Xiamen team, and was selected to join the national youth team in 2005. In 2006, Chen entered the national second team.{{cite web |title=马来西亚羽毛球公开赛谌龙夺冠 荆州再添一位世界冠军 |url=http://www.jzcool.com/news/sports/76960.htm |website=www.badzine.net |date=6 July 2009 |language=zh |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402130440/http://www.jzcool.com/news/sports/76960.htm |archive-date=2 April 2015}}

Chen emerged as an Asian Junior Champion in 2007,{{cite web |title=Asian Juniors 2007 – Li Tian Trumps Tired Tan to Take Gold at Last|url=http://www.badzine.net/news/ajc-li-tian-trumps-tired-tan-to-take-gold-at-last/437/|website=badzine.net|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810075605/http://www.badzine.net/news/ajc-li-tian-trumps-tired-tan-to-take-gold-at-last/437/|archive-date=10 August 2014|df=dmy-all}} and at the same year, he won the World Junior Championships.{{cite web |title=World Juniors 2007 – China Takes 3 Golds|url=http://www.badzine.net/news/klrc-world-juniors-china-takes-3-golds/664/|website=badzine.net|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140708201744/http://www.badzine.net/news/klrc-world-juniors-china-takes-3-golds/664/|archive-date=8 July 2014|df=dmy-all}} He also helped the Chinese team won the 2007 Suhandinata Cup.

In 2008, Chen was selected to join the national first team.

Chen won his first professional title at the Grand Prix Gold event in the 2009 Philippines Open, beating Hu Yun of Hong Kong in the final.

Chen participated in the Korea Open Super Series in January. He made it through to the semi-finals before losing to Danish player Peter Gade in three games, 13–21, 21–10, 17–21.{{cite web |title=Korea Super Series 2010|url=https://www.tournamentsoftware.com/sport/tournament/matches?id=9C15FDD9-4FB5-4531-8743-7BB2606F66DD&d=20100116&c=|website=tournamentsoftware.com|access-date=18 April 2022}} A week later, in the Malaysia Open, he lost in the opening round to Boonsak Ponsana of Thailand.{{cite web |title=Proton Malaysia Open Super Series 2010|url=https://www.tournamentsoftware.com/sport/tournament/matches?id=F15EBDA3-810F-4BA0-B724-082AD0574938&d=20100120&c=|website=tournamentsoftware.com|access-date=18 April 2022}}

In March, at the German Open, Chen lost in the final to his teammate, Bao Chunlai in two straight games. At the All England Open, he registered an impressive victory over 8th seed Jan Ø. Jørgensen in the first round{{cite web |title=Taufik defeats Korea's Hu in All-England badminton Open|url=https://www.badmintonplanet.com/badminton-news/1628-taufik-defeats-koreas-hu-in-all-england-badminton-open-pic.html|website=badmintonplanet.com|date=10 March 2010 |access-date=18 April 2022}}{{cite web |title=All England 2010 Round 1 – Paaske/Rasmussen Prevail in Battle of the Veterans|url=https://www.badzine.net/2010/03/yonex-all-england-round-1-paaskerasmussen-prevail-in-battle-of-the-veterans/|website=badzine.net|access-date=18 April 2022}} but fell to Korea's Son Wan-ho 18–21, 21–18, 19–21 in the second round.{{cite web |title=All England Super Series 2010|url=https://www.tournamentsoftware.com/sport/tournament/matches?id=BC74159A-75FE-4310-B192-8AE684721561&d=20100311&c=|website=tournamentsoftware.com|access-date=18 April 2022}} He followed up this disappointment with his best-ever performance in a Super Series event by making it through to the final of the Swiss Open, where he finished runner-up to compatriot Chen Jin.{{cite web |title=Swiss Open 2010 – Yoo/ko Strike Gold in First Major Final|url=https://www.badzine.net/2010/03/wilson-swiss-open-yooko-strike-gold-in-first-major-final/|website=badzine.net|access-date=18 April 2022}}

Chen was part of the Chinese team that won gold at the 2010 Thomas Cup in Kuala Lumpur.{{cite web |title=China claims fourth consecutive Thomas cup|url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/sports/2010-05/16/content_9854390.htm|website=chinadaily.com.cn|access-date=18 April 2022}} He only featured in their opening match against Peru, taking just 31 minutes to beat his opponent, before being replaced in the team by Bao Chunlai for the later rounds. Chen's first individual title of 2010 came at the Bitburger Open in Germany, where he beat Denmark's Hans-Kristian Vittinghus 21–3, 12–21, 21–9 in the final of the Grand Prix Gold event.{{cite web |title=Bitburger 2010 Finals – China's Second Knives on Top|url=https://www.badzine.net/2010/09/bitburger-2010-finals-chinas-second-knives-on-top/|website=badzine.net|access-date=18 April 2022}} His good form continued when he finished runner-up to teammate Lin Dan at the China Masters two weeks later, going down 15–21, 21–13, 14–21 to the reigning Olympic champion.{{cite web |title=China Masters 2010 Finals – Win No. 5 Makes Xin No. 1|url=https://www.badzine.net/2010/09/china-masters-2010-finals-5th-win-makes-xin-number-1/|website=badzine.net|access-date=18 April 2022}}

Chen obtained a second team gold medal of the year with China at the Asian Games held in Guangzhou, but did not feature in the individual event.{{cite web |title=Asian Games 2010 Men's Team Final – Korea Goes Down Fighting|url=https://www.badzine.net/2010/11/asian-games-mens-final-korea-goes-down-fighting/|website=badzine.net|access-date=18 April 2022}} More success followed when he won the China Open Super Series two weeks later. His passage to the final included a controversial walkover by Lin Dan in the quarter-finals and a hard-fought victory over current World champion Chen Jin in the semi-finals. In the final, he squared off against teammate Bao Chunlai, emerging as the victor after 75 minutes of play.{{cite web |title=China Open 2010 Final – So Long…|url=https://www.badzine.net/2010/12/china-open-final-so-long/|website=badzine.net|access-date=18 April 2022}} Chen's attempt at back-to-back Super Series titles came to an end at the hands of former Olympic champion Taufik Hidayat in the semi-final of the Hong Kong Open the following week.{{cite web |title=Hong Kong Open 2010 Sf – Chong Wei and Taufik Again|url=https://www.badzine.net/2010/12/hong-kong-open-semi-chong-wei-and-taufik-again/|website=badzine.net|access-date=18 April 2022}} Chen's strong finish to the year saw his world ranking rise to a career-high of 4th, briefly becoming the top ranked Chinese player.{{cite web |title=CHEN Long|url=https://bwfbadminton.com/player/75787/chen-long|website=BWF|access-date=18 April 2022}}

In the first tournament of the new season, Chen Long was convincingly beaten by world number 1 Lee Chong Wei in the semi-final of the Malaysia Open. It took just 39 minutes for the Malaysian to blow away the upcoming Chinese star with a score of 21–9, 21–9.{{cite web |title=Malaysia Open 2011 Finals – Lucky Number 7 for Lee Chong Wei|url=http://www.badzine.net/2011/01/malaysia-open-finals-lucky-number-7-for-lee-chong-wei/|website=badzine.net|access-date=18 April 2022}} The effects of the demoralising defeat were still evident a week later when Chen lost in the second round of the Korea Open to Japanese player Kenichi Tago.{{cite web |title=Korea Open 2011 R16 – Overdue Payback for Young Japanese|url=https://www.badzine.net/2011/01/korea-open-r16-overdue-payback-for-young-japanese/|website=badzine.net|access-date=18 April 2022}} His first individual title of the year came at the Thailand Open, where he beat experienced Korean player Lee Hyun-il in the final.{{cite web |title=Thailand Open 2011 Finals – Lee, Lee, Li… but Not Lee!|url=https://www.badzine.net/2011/06/thailand-open-finals-lee-lee-li-but-not-lee/|website=badzine.net|access-date=18 April 2022}}

In August, Chen was eliminated in the first round of the World Championships by unheralded Guatemalan player Kevin Cordón in what was one of the shock results of the tournament. Cordón emerged the victor after clinching the third set 27–25 in a thrilling encounter.{{cite web |title=World No 5 Chen suffers early exit at badminton worlds|url=https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/sports/2011-08/09/content_13076813.htm|website=chinadaily.com.cn|access-date=18 April 2022}} Chen sprang back from his shock exit from the World Championships by winning his first China Masters title after defeating his compatriot Chen Jin in the final.{{cite web |title=China Masters 2011 Finals – Jung & Lee Destroy China's Clean Sweep|url=https://www.badzine.net/2011/09/china-masters-finals-jung-lee-destroy-chinas-clean-sweep/|website=badzine.net|access-date=18 April 2022}} A week later, he won his first Japan Open by avenging his Malaysia Open loss to world number 1 Lee Chong Wei in the final.{{cite web |title=Chen stuns Lee to take Japan Open crown|url=http://www.china.org.cn/sports/2011-09/26/content_23491303.htm|website=china.org.cn|access-date=18 April 2022}} In October, Chen won his third consecutive Super Series tournament with another victory over Lee Chong Wei, this time in the final of the Denmark Open in its first year as a Premier Super Series event.{{cite web |title=Denmark Open 2011 Finals – Chen Long Blows Past Chong Wei|url=https://www.badzine.net/2011/10/denmark-open-finals-chen-long-blows-past-chong-wei/|website=badzine.net|access-date=18 April 2022}}

His highlights of the season were followed by an exit from the semi-finals of Hong Kong Open to his senior, Chen Jin{{cite web |title=Hong Kong Open 2011 Sf – Danes, Koreans Ready for China|url=https://www.badzine.net/2011/11/hong-kong-open-sf-danes-koreans-ready-for-china/|website=badzine.net|access-date=18 April 2022}} and failure to defend his China Open title after losing to his compatriot, Lin Dan, in the final.{{cite web |title=Lin Dan overpowers teammate to win China Open|url=https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/sports/2011-11/28/content_14174591.htm|website=chinadaily.com.cn|access-date=18 April 2022}} He ended year 2011 with another runner-up in Super Series Master Finals, being beaten by Lin Dan again.{{cite web |title=China's Lin wins 1st 'Super Grand Slam'|url=https://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Sports/Story/A1Story20111218-316935.html|website=asiaone.com|access-date=18 April 2022}}

File:Chen Long2012.jpg]]

In January, Chen reached the semi-finals of the Malaysia Open, where he lost to the home favorite, Lee Chong Wei in three games, 18-21, 21-17, 13-21.{{cite web |title=Datuk Lee Chong Wei Wins Malaysian Open Title 2012|url=https://malaysiasaya.my/datuk-lee-chong-wei-wins-malaysian-open-title-2012|website=malaysiasaya.my|date=15 January 2012 |access-date=18 April 2022}} In March, he participated in the All England Open and was knocked out in the quarter-finals by Kenichi Tago.{{cite web |title=Yonex All England Open Badminton Championships 2012|url=https://www.tournamentsoftware.com/sport/tournament/matches?id=308E19F0-EF7A-406C-8521-B862219B169A&d=20120309&c=|website=tournamentsoftware.com|access-date=18 April 2022}} He then reached the semi-finals of the Swiss Open but was eliminated by Lee Hyun-il.{{cite web |title=Swiss Open 2012 SF – Another Final for Tontowi and Lilyana|url=https://www.badzine.net/2012/03/swiss-open-sf-another-final-for-tontowi-and-lilyana/|website=badzine.net|access-date=18 April 2022}} In April, at the Badminton Asia Championships, Chen lost in the semi-finals to his teammate, Du Pengyu.{{cite web |title=Asian Champs 2012 SF – Hayakawa/endo Spoil Chinese Party|url=https://www.badzine.net/2012/04/asian-champs-sf-hayakawaendo-spoil-chinese-party/|website=badzine.net|access-date=18 April 2022}} In May, at the Thomas Cup, he won all the matches that he played in, thus helping China to clinch their ninth title.{{cite web |title=Chen Long, the hopeful of the badminton team|url=http://en.hubei.gov.cn/photo_gallery/people/201205/t20120528_1415296.shtml|website=en.hubei.gov.cn|access-date=18 April 2022}} In June, Chen lost in the pre-quarterfinals of Indonesia Open, to Parupalli Kashyap, 21–17, 21–14.{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/badminton/Kashyap-upsets-World-No-3-Chen-at-Indonesia-Open/articleshow/14135464.cms |title=Kashyap upsets World No 3 |access-date=15 June 2012 |work=The Times Of India}}

In the 2012 Summer Olympics, Chen was defeated in the semi-final of the men's singles competition by Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia, 21–13, 21–14,{{cite web |url=http://www.london2012.com/badminton/event/men-singles/match=bdm001201/index.html |title=Chen Long at the Olympics |access-date=6 August 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130128024449/http://www.london2012.com/badminton/event/men-singles/match=bdm001201/index.html |archive-date=28 January 2013 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }} but went on to win bronze after defeating Lee Hyun-il in the bronze medal match.{{cite web |url=http://www.london2012.com/badminton/event/men-singles/match=bdm001102/index.html |title=Chen Long at the Olympics |access-date=6 August 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130127234734/http://www.london2012.com/badminton/event/men-singles/match=bdm001102/index.html |archive-date=27 January 2013 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/london-olympics-2012/news/Chinas-Chen-Long-wins-badminton-singles-bronze/articleshow/15363077.cms |title=China's Chen Long wins badminton singles bronze |access-date=5 August 2012 |work=The Times Of India}} {{dead link|date=August 2013}} After the Olympics, Chen's form picked up tremendously, starting from winning the China Masters in September, where he beat Hong Kong's Hu Yun in the final.{{cite web |title=Chen Long crushes Hu Yun in Li Ning China Masters final|url=https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/1038573/chen-long-crushes-hu-yun-li-ning-china-masters-final|website=scmp.com|date=16 September 2012 |access-date=18 April 2022}} In October, he reached the semi-finals of the Denmark Open but was eliminated by his compatriot Du Pengyu once again.{{cite web |title=Lee Chong Wei & Saina Nehwal Clinch Denmark Open Title|url=https://www.yonex.com/news/lee-chong-wei-saina-nehwal-clinch-denmark-open-title/|website=yonex.com|access-date=18 April 2022}} In November, he won both the China Open and the Hong Kong Open, beating Wang Zhengming{{cite web |title=China Open 2012 Finals – Impenetrable Chinese Walls|url=https://www.badzine.net/2012/11/china-open-finals-impenetrable-chinese-walls/|website=badzine.net|access-date=18 April 2022}} and Lee Chong Wei{{cite web |title=Hong Kong Open: Day 6 – Zhao Yunlei Double Leads Chinese Sweep|url=https://bwfbadminton.com/news-single/2012/11/25/hong-kong-open-day-6-zhao-yunlei-double-leads-chinese-sweep|website=BWF|access-date=18 April 2022}}{{cite web |title=Lee Chong Wei Loses in Hong Kong|url=https://www.indiatimes.com/tennis-and-badminton/lee-chong-wei-loses-in-hong-kong-48459.html|website=indiatimes.com|date=26 November 2012 |access-date=18 April 2022}} respectively in the finals. At year-end, BWF Superseries Finals, Chen managed to avenge his previous defeats to Du Pengyu on tours, by beating him in the final to win his first Superseries Finals title.{{cite web |title=CR Land BWF World Superseries Finals – Day 5 – Afternoon: Asian and European Powerhouses Win Superseries Finals|url=https://bwfbadminton.com/news-single/2012/12/16/cr-land-bwf-world-superseries-finals-day-5-afternoon-asian-and-european-powerhouses-win-superseries-finals|website=BWF|access-date=18 April 2022}}{{cite web |title=Li Xuerui, Chen Long win Super Series Finals titles|url=https://sports.ndtv.com/badminton/li-xuerui-chen-long-win-super-series-finals-titles-1543712|website=sports.ndtv.com|access-date=18 April 2022}}

Chen carried his good form into the new season. In February, Chen won his first German Open title, defeating Tommy Sugiarto in the final.{{cite web |title=Third time unlucky for Juliane Schenk|url=http://www.badmintoneurope.com/cms/default.aspx?clubid=4685&cmsid=239&pageid=5381&m=615150|website=badmintoneurope.com|access-date=18 April 2022}} In March, Chen won convincingly against Lee Chong Wei in the 2013 All England Open in the finals, 21–17, 21–18.{{cite web |title=All England 2013 Finals – Impressive Chen Beats Lee for First Title|url=https://www.badzine.net/2013/03/all-england-final-impressive-chen-beats-lee-for-first-title/|website=badzine.net|access-date=18 April 2022}} In April, at the Badminton Asia Championships, Chen once again lost to his teammate, Du Pengyu, albeit in the final this time.{{cite web |title=China captures 3 golds after mixed doubles upset|url=http://www.china.org.cn/sports/2013-04/22/content_28616548.htm|website=china.org.cn|access-date=18 April 2022}} Despite missing the last two Sudirman Cup editions in 2009 and 2011, Chen Long emerged as the first singles player to help China lift its fifth consecutive trophy in 2013 edition.{{cite web |title=China defends Sudirman Cup with victory against S. Korea|url=https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/sports/2013-05/26/content_16533655.htm|website=chinadaily.com.cn|access-date=18 April 2022}} At the BWF World Championships held in August, Chen reached the quarter-finals but was defeated by Lin Dan.{{cite web |title=2013 BWF World Championships Results: Daily Scores, Updated Bracket and Schedule|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1727618-2013-bwf-world-championships-results-daily-scores-updated-bracket-and-schedule|website=bleacherreport.com|access-date=18 April 2022}} He won the Denmark Open against Lee Chong Wei, 24–22, 21-19,{{cite web |title=Denmark Open 2013 Final – China Dominant in Denmark|url=https://www.badzine.net/2013/10/denmark-open-final-chinese-dominant-in-denmark/|website=badzine.net|access-date=18 April 2022}}{{cite web |title=Datuk Lee Chong Wei fails to defend title after going down to Chen Long|url=https://www.theborneopost.com/2013/10/22/datuk-lee-chong-wei-fails-to-defend-title-after-going-down-to-chen-long/|website=theborneopost.com|date=22 October 2013 |access-date=18 April 2022}} and then successfully defended his China Open title against compatriot Wang Zhengming in three games.{{cite web |title=Heartbreak for Thien How-Wee Kiong in China Open|url=https://www.badmintonplanet.com/badminton-news/2512-heartbreak-for-thien-how-wee-kiong-in-china-open-pic.html|website=badmintonplanet.com|date=19 November 2013 |access-date=18 April 2022}}

Chen started the year with a victory against Lee Chong Wei in the Korean Open.{{cite web |title=Korea Open 2014 Finals – No 4th for Lee Chong Wei|url=https://www.badzine.net/2014/01/korea-open-finals-no-4th-for-lee-chong-wei/|website=badzine.net|access-date=18 April 2022}} Then, he was unable to defend his All England title as he lost to Lee Chong Wei in the finals.{{cite web |title=All England 2014 Badminton: Final Results and Analysis of Top Performers|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1986683-all-england-2014-badminton-final-results-and-analysis-of-top-performers|website=bleacherreport.com|access-date=18 April 2022}} He subsequently lost in the Indian Open finals to the same opponent.{{cite web |title=Lee Chong Wei won third India Open title|url=https://www.badmintonplanet.com/badminton-news/2915-lee-chong-wei-won-third-india-open-title.html|website=badmintonplanet.com|date=6 April 2014 |access-date=18 April 2022}} In May, Chen played first singles for China at the 2014 Thomas Cup. They were unable to defend their title as they lost 0–3 to Japan in the semifinals.{{cite web |title=Thomas Cup: Japan stuns China 3-0|url=https://www.badmintonplanet.com/badminton-news/3024-thomas-cup-japan-stuns-china-3-0.html|website=badmintonplanet.com|date=23 May 2014 |access-date=18 April 2022}} Chen took the blame for the surprise loss of the Chinese Team, casting doubt on his ability to depose Lin Dan as China's MS 'big brother'. Chen's poor start to the season continued deep into the summer, when he saw early-round knockouts in the Japan Open to Hu Yun of Hong Kong{{cite web |title=Japan Open: Lin Dan, Chen Long sent packing|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/badminton/lin-dan-and-chen-long-knocked-out-of-japan-open|website=sportskeeda.com|access-date=18 April 2022}} and Indonesian Open to Denmark's Jan Ø. Jørgensen.{{cite news |title=Badminton: Denmark's Jorgensen wins first Indonesia Open title|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/badminton-denmarks-jorgensen-wins-first-indonesia-open-title|website=The Straits Times|date=22 June 2014 |access-date=18 April 2022}}

However, his fortune reversed at the most important competition of the year. On 31 August, Chen defeated Lee Chong Wei in the finals with a score of 21–19, 21–19 to win his first-ever World Championship title at 2014 BWF World Championships held in Copenhagen, breaking his 7-month title drought.{{cite web |title=Second seed Chen wins Badminton World Championship title|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/badminton/shuttlers-carolina-chen-clinch-world-titles|website=sportskeeda.com|access-date=18 April 2022}} He would then continue this excellent form for the rest of the season, defeating Son Wan-ho in the final of the 2014 Denmark Super Series Premier, his 6th Super Series Premier title to date and first of the year.{{cite web |title=Chen Long Wins Denmark Open, Marked By China's Badminton Supremacy|url=https://kridangan.com/badminton/chen-long-wins-denmark-open-marked-chinas-badminton-supremacy/4010/|website=kridangan.com|date=22 October 2014 |access-date=18 April 2022}} He would also make the finals of the 2014 Hong Kong Super Series.{{cite web |title=Hong Kong Open 2014 Finals – Back to the Top for Son Wan Ho|url=https://www.badzine.net/2014/11/hong-kong-open-finals-back-to-the-top-for-son-wan-ho/|website=badzine.net|access-date=18 April 2022}} Chen ended the season on a high note after winning the 2014 BWF Super Series Masters Finals in Dubai, boasting a 3–0 record in the Group Stage and defeating Hans-Kristian Vittinghus 21–16, 21–10 in the final.{{cite web |title=Chen Long ends 2014 with victory in World Superseries Finals|url=https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/1667690/chen-long-ends-2014-victory-world-superseries-finals|website=scmp.com|date=22 December 2014 |access-date=18 April 2022}} With this victory, Chen ascended to World No.1, dethroning rival Lee Chong Wei and achieving the title of Year-End No.1 on the BWF World Ranking.{{cite web |title=Chen Long is the new World No.1|url=https://www.badmintonplanet.com/badminton-news/3473-chen-long-is-the-new-world-no-1.html|website=badmintonplanet.com|date=25 December 2014 |access-date=18 April 2022}} This marked the first time in 6 years that a player other than Lee Chong Wei ended the year at the coveted No.1 ranking. Despite a slow start to the year, Chen's 2014 was characterised by his first-ever World Championship, solid victories at the Denmark Open and Super Series Masters Finals, and for the first time achieving the rank of World No.1.

Starting the year as World No.1, Chen's first tournament of the season was the 2015 All England Super Series Premier, considered as the most reputable Super Series Premier title. Defeating compatriot Lin Dan in straight sets (21-13, 21-12) en route to the finals, Chen won his second All England title in 3 years with a 15–21, 21–17, 21–15 over Jan O Jorgensen.{{cite web |title=Chen Long crowned as the men's singles champion at the All England Championships|url=https://www.skysports.com/more-sports/badminton/news/29876/9750498/carolina-marin-crowned-as-the-all-england-open-champion-after-defeating-saina-nehwal|website=skysports.com|access-date=18 April 2022}}{{cite web |title=I want to emulate Lin Dan, says Chen Long after recapturing All-England title|url=https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/1733336/i-want-emulate-lin-dan-says-chen-long-after-recapturing-all-england|website=scmp.com|date=9 March 2015 |access-date=18 April 2022}} Chen continued his winning form in his next tournament, the 2015 Malaysia Super Series Premier, defeating Lin Dan, this time with a tighter scoreline of 20–22, 21–13, 21–11.{{cite web |title=Chen Long holds off compatriot Lin Dan to win Malaysia Open|url=https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/1757119/chen-long-holds-compatriot-lin-dan-win-malaysia-open|website=scmp.com|date=5 April 2015 |access-date=18 April 2022}} Two consecutive victories over Lin Dan, long considered China's strongest badminton player in the men's singles discipline, was considered by many as Chen's resolute ascension to the position of China MS No.1. A second-round exit to Hu Yun at the 2015 Singapore Super Series{{cite web |title=Hu Yun rolls back the years to oust world No 1 Chen Long at Singapore Open|url=https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/1762771/hu-jun-rolls-back-years-oust-world-no-1-chen-long-singapore-open|website=scmp.com|date=9 April 2015 |access-date=18 April 2022}} and a semi-final loss at the Badminton Asia Championships to compatriot Tian Houwei by way of walkover put a stop to Chen's tournament-winning streak.{{cite web |title=China's Lin Dan wins Asian title, looks to Rio Olympics|url=http://en.people.cn/n/2015/0427/c90779-8883986.html|website=people.cn|access-date=18 April 2022}} In May, Chen was part of the Chinese team that won the Sudirman Cup. Victory over Viktor Axelsen at the 2015 Australian Super Series final with a score of 21–12, 14–21, 21-18 put Chen back in winning shape.{{cite web |title=Carolina Marin wins in Sydney|url=http://www.badmintoneurope.com/cms/default.aspx?clubid=4685&m=2406305&cmsid=239&pageid=5381|website=badmintoneurope.com|access-date=18 April 2022}} This was followed by a quarter-finals exit at the 2015 Indonesia Super Series Premier, a tournament in which Chinese players routinely lose during the early stages.{{cite web |title=Don't write off Parupalli Kashyap|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/business-of-life/dont-write-off-parupalli-kashyap-1540876751928.html|website=livemint.com|access-date=18 April 2022}} However, Chen would rediscover his form in the 2015 Chinese Taipei Open Grand Prix Gold with a victory over home favorite Chou Tien-chen.{{cite web |title=Chen Long, Wang Yihan win Chinese Taipei Open|url=https://www.badmintonplanet.com/badminton-news/3893-chen-long-wang-yihan-win-chinese-taipei-open.html|website=badmintonplanet.com|date=19 July 2015 |access-date=18 April 2022}}

He would then defend his World Championship title at the 2015 BWF World Championships held in Jakarta. Chen reached the final of the championships with ease, winning in 2 sets over each of his opponents, including Japanese rising star and then-World No.4 Kento Momota 21–9, 21–15 in the semi-finals. In a rematch of the 2014 final, Chen was again victorious over rival Lee Chong Wei, successfully defending his World Champion title with an easier scoreline of 21–14, 21–17.{{cite web |title=Lee Chong Wei the bridesmaid again as Chen Long retains his world title|url=https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/1849942/carolina-marin-retains-world-title-jakarta|website=scmp.com|date=16 August 2015 |access-date=18 April 2022}} This marked the second World Championship title for Chen, which secured him the position of Year-End No. 1, again. Chen would follow this up with another Super Series victory at the 2015 Korea Open Super Series, during which he defeated unseeded Ajay Jayaram 21–14, 21–13 in the final.{{cite web |title=Jayaram's Dream Run Ends in Disappointment at Korea Final|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/sport/2015/sep/20/jayarams-dream-run-ends-in-disappointment-at-korea-final-817528.html|website=newindianexpress.com|date=20 September 2015 |access-date=18 April 2022}}

In October, Chen continued his fine form by defeating Tommy Sugiarto in the final to win the Denmark Super Series Premier.{{cite web |title=Chen Long, Li Xuerui win 2015 Denmark Open|url=https://www.badmintonplanet.com/badminton-news/4064-chen-long-li-xuerui-win-2015-denmark-open.html|website=badmintonplanet.com|date=18 October 2015 |access-date=18 April 2022}} This was Chen's 8th Super Series title, bringing his total SS (including Premier) tally to 16 and year-to-date titles to 7, the most he has achieved in one season. In November 2015, Chen reached the China Open final without losing a single set, however, a resurgent Lee Chong Wei proved tough to beat, losing the finals in two straight sets 21–15, 21–11, halting his 7 straight finals win in 2015.{{cite web |title=Lee Chong Wei too strong for Chen Long in China Open final|url=https://www.badmintonplanet.com/badminton-news/4111-lee-chong-wei-too-strong-for-chen-long-in-china-open-final.html|website=badmintonplanet.com|date=15 November 2015 |access-date=18 April 2022}} In December 2015, Chen made the semi-finals of the Super Series Finals in Dubai.{{cite web |title=Day of upsets at Badminton Super Series Finals|url=https://news.yahoo.com/day-upsets-badminton-super-series-finals-202440670.html|website=news.yahoo.com|access-date=18 April 2022}}

Chen's first tournament of the season was the All England Open, whereby he only reached the Round of 16 after being defeated by his compatriot Xue Song.{{cite web |title=Sad 'Song' for Chen Long – Day 3: Yonex All England Open 2016|url=https://bwfbadminton.com/news-single/2016/03/10/sad-song-for-chen-long-day-3-yonex-all-england-open-2016|website=BWF|access-date=17 April 2022}} In April, he participated in the Malaysia Open and finished as the runner-up, losing to Lee Chong Wei in the final.{{cite web |title=Chong Wei demolishes Chen Long for his 11th Malaysia Open title|url=https://www.sports247.my/chong-wei-demolishes-chen-long-11th-malaysia-open-title/|website=sports247.my|date=10 April 2016 |access-date=17 April 2022}} At the Singapore Open held in the same month, he lost in the quarter-finals to Hong Kong's Ng Ka Long Angus.{{cite web |title=Chen Long and Carolina Marin make shocking Singapore Open exits|url=https://www.badmintonplanet.com/badminton-news/4364-chen-long-and-carolina-marin-make-shocking-singapore-open-exits.html|website=badmintonplanet.com|date=15 April 2016 |access-date=17 April 2022}} Chen then followed up with two final appearances in his next two tournaments. Unfortunately, he did not win any of those, losing in the China Masters to compatriot Lin Dan{{cite web |title=Lin Dan Masters Chen Long – Finals: Bonny China Masters 2016|url=https://bwfbadminton.com/news-single/2016/04/25/lin-dan-masters-chen-long-finals-bonny-china-masters-2016|website=BWF|access-date=17 April 2022}} and the Badminton Asia Championships to Lee Chong Wei.{{cite web |title=BAC Final Report|url=https://www.badmintonasia.org/updates/news/bac-final-report|website=badmintonasia.org|date=3 May 2016 |access-date=17 April 2022}}

At the 2016 Olympic Games, Chen Long was the second seed behind World No.1 Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia. After defeating Niluka Karunaratne of Sri Lanka 21–7, 21–10{{cite web |title=Badminton: China's Chen Long overpowers Niluka Karunaratne|url=https://www.newsfirst.lk/2016/08/11/badminton-chinas-chen-long-overpowers-niluka-karunaratne/|website=newsfirst.lk|access-date=17 April 2022}} and Poland's Adrian Dziółko 21–12, 21–9{{cite web |title=Rio: Chen Long in quarters, Mathias Boe/Carsten Mogensen exit|url=https://www.badmintonplanet.com/badminton-news/4535-rio-chen-long-in-quarters-mathias-boe-carsten-mogensen-exit.html|website=badmintonplanet.com|date=14 August 2016 |access-date=17 April 2022}} during the Group Stage, Chen Long was qualified for the knockout rounds. In the quarter-finals, he defeated Son Wan-ho of South Korea by a tight scoreline of 21–11, 18–21, 21–11,{{cite web |title=Viktor Axelsen vs Chen Long, Rio 2016 Olympics semi-final: How to watch live on TV and online in the UK and abroad|url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/viktor-axelsen-vs-chen-long-074153172.html|website=sg.news.yahoo.com|access-date=17 April 2022}} after which he defeated eventual bronze-medalist Denmark's Viktor Axelsen 21–14, 21–15 in the semi-finals.{{cite web |title=Chen Long easier to predict but Chong Wei still up for tough final|url=https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/353003|website=malaysiakini.com|date=19 August 2016 |access-date=17 April 2022}} Facing Lee Chong Wei in the Badminton Men's Singles final at the Pavilion 4, Riocentro on 20 August 2016, Chen Long clinched the Olympic gold medal after he defeated the Malaysian (Lee Chong Wei) and won the match in straight games with a score of 21–18, 21–18, earning his first Olympic gold medal.{{cite news |title=Heartbreak again for Chong Wei, Chen Long takes gold |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/sport/badminton/2016/08/20/ready-for-chong-wei-vs-chen-long-olympic-final/ |access-date=24 November 2020 |work=The Star |date=20 August 2016}}{{cite news |title=Olympics: China's Chen Long defeats world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei to win badminton gold|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/olympics-chinas-chen-long-defeats-world-no1-lee-chong-wei-to-win-badminton-gold|website=The Straits Times|date=20 August 2016 |access-date=17 April 2022 |last1=Chen |first1=May }}

In November, Chen participated in the China Open and came in second to Denmark's Jan O Jorgensen.{{cite web |title=Jan O Jorgensen stuns Olympic badminton champion Chen Long to win China Open|url=https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/2047749/jan-o-jorgensen-stuns-olympic-badminton-champion-chen-long-win-china|website=scmp.com|date=20 November 2016 |access-date=17 April 2022}}

In February, at the German Open, Chen reached the semi-finals but was defeated by Wang Tzu-wei in three games.{{cite web |title=Chou Tien Chen wins all Taiwanese men's singles final at BWF German Open|url=https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1047741/chou-tien-chen-wins-all-taiwanese-mens-singles-final-at-bwf-german-open|website=insidethegames.biz|date=5 March 2017 |access-date=17 April 2022}} In March, at the All England Open, Chen lost to Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk in the Round of 16 in straight games, 16–21, 19–21.{{cite web |title=Olympic champ Chen Long upset by Thai at All England Open|url=https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/03/10/-olympic-badminton-champ-upset-by-thai-at-all-england-open.html|website=thejakartapost.com|access-date=17 April 2022}} In April, at the Badminton Asia Championships held in Wuhan, China, Chen defeated Lin Dan in the rubble set game, 21–23, 21–11, 21–10, of the men's singles final and he gets his first Asian Championships title.{{cite web |title=Chen Long Wins His First Badminton Asia Title in Style|url=https://www.badmintonasia.org/updates/news/chen-long-wins-his-first-badminton-asia-title-in-style|website=badmintonasia.org|date=4 May 2017 |access-date=17 April 2022}} In May, at the 2017 Sudirman Cup, Chen won all the three games he played in, but in the final, China lost to Korea by 2–3.{{cite web |title=South Korea end China's 12-year grip on badminton's Sudirman Cup with emotional final fightback|url=https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/2095997/south-korea-end-chinas-14-year-grip-badmintons-sudirman-cup|website=scmp.com|date=28 May 2017 |access-date=17 April 2022}} In June, at the Crown Group Australia Open, Chen lost to Kidambi Srikanth in the men's singles final in straight-set game, 20–22, 16–21.{{cite web |title=Kidambi Srikanth outclasses Chen Long to win Australian Open Super Series|date=25 June 2017 |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/other-sports/story/kidambi-srikanth-chen-long-australian-open-super-series-984620-2017-06-25|access-date=17 April 2022}} In August, at the Total BWF World Championships, Chen lost to Viktor Axelsen in the men's singles quarter-finals, 9–21, 10–21.{{cite web |title=Axelsen ends reign of Chen to reach BWF World Championship final|date=26 August 2017 |url=https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1054600/axelsen-ends-reign-of-chen-to-reach-bwf-world-championship-final|access-date=17 April 2022}} He failed to defend his World Championship title of 2015. In November, at the China Open Superseries Premier in Tahoe, China, Chen defeated Viktor Axelsen in the men's singles final by the rubble set game, 21–16, 14–21, 21–13 and gets his fourth China Open title.{{cite web |title=Chen Long beats top-ranked Viktor Axelsen to win China Open badminton|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/other-sports/chen-long-beats-top-ranked-viktor-axelsen-to-win-china-open-badminton/story-DF1AJ7yaF1LD7IvWNV7MVP.html|access-date=17 April 2022}} At the Yonex–Sunrise Hong Kong Open, Chen lost to Lee Chong Wei by straight-set game, 14–21, 19–21.{{cite news |title=Badminton: Lee Chong Wei beats Olympic champion Chen Long to win Hong Kong Open|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/badminton-lee-chong-wei-beats-olympic-champion-chen-long-to-win-hong-kong-open|website=The Straits Times|date=26 November 2017 |access-date=17 April 2022}} In the Dubai Superseries Final, Chen withdrew due to a knee injury.{{cite web |title=Neither groom to get Dubai dowry|url=https://www.badzine.net/2017/12/neither-groom-to-get-dubai-dowry/|website=badzine.net|access-date=17 April 2022}}

In January, Chen was eliminated in the first round of the Malaysia Masters{{cite web |title=Chen Long crashes out in first round|url=https://www.nst.com.my/sports/badminton/2018/01/326018/chen-long-crashes-out-first-round|website=nst.com.my|date=17 January 2018 |access-date=17 April 2022}} and in the quarter-finals of the Indonesia Masters,{{cite web |title=Rankireddy/Shetty Surge Into Semis – Day 4: Daihatsu Indonesia Masters|url=https://bwfworldtour.bwfbadminton.com/news-single/2018/01/27/rankireddy-shetty-surge-into-semis-day-4-daihatsu-indonesia-masters|website=BWF|access-date=17 April 2022}} losing to Anthony Ginting on both occasions. In March, at the All England Open, Chen lost in the quarter-finals to the eventual champion, Shi Yuqi.{{cite web |title=All England Open: Shi Yuqi trumps Olympic champion Chen Long to enter semi-finals|url=https://scroll.in/field/872320/all-england-open-shi-yuqi-trumps-olympic-champion-chen-long-to-enter-semi-finals|website=scroll.in|date=16 March 2018 |access-date=17 April 2022}} At the Badminton Asia Championships, he finished as runner-up after losing the Kento Momota in the final.{{cite web |title=Momota Is the New Badminton Asia Championships Men's Singles Champion|url=https://www.badmintonasia.org/updates/news/momota-is-the-new-badminton-asia-championships-men-s-singles-champion|website=badmintonasia.org|date=30 April 2018 |access-date=17 April 2022}} In May, he represented the national team in the 2018 Thomas Cup. In the group stage, he defeated H. S. Prannoy from India and Brice Leverdez from France. In the quarter-finals, he defeated Chou Tien-Chen from Chinese Taipei. China beat Chinese Taipei 3–0. In the match against Indonesia in the semi-finals, he defeated Anthony Ginting in two sets. During the final match, China faced Japan. He lost his match against the 2018 World Champion and then World number 1 Kento Momota in two sets, but although he lost his match, China beat Japan 3–1 and won the Thomas Cup.{{cite web |title=China wins 10th Thomas Cup title after Japan scare; first since 2012|url=https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/2148044/china-wins-its-10th-thomas-cup-title-after-japan-scare-first-2012|website=scmp.com|date=28 May 2018 |access-date=17 April 2022}} In August, at the BWF World Championships, Chen lost in the semi-finals to his junior, Shi Yuqi again, thus finishing with a bronze medal.{{cite web |title=Badminton worlds: Shi faces Momota, Marin v Sindhu in finals|url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3499457|website=taiwannews.com.tw|access-date=17 April 2022}} At the Asian Games, he helps the Chinese team to win gold after defeating Indonesia in the final.{{cite news |title=Asian Games: China survive partisan home crowd to beat Indonesia 3-1 for badminton men's team title|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/asian-games-china-survive-partisan-home-crowd-to-beat-indonesia-3-1-for-badminton-mens-team|website=The Straits Times|date=23 August 2018 |access-date=17 April 2022}} In the individual event, he was eliminated in the quarter-finals by Anthony Ginting again.{{cite web |title=Anthony Sinisuka Ginting Slays Chen Long to Enter Asian Games Semis|url=https://www.badmintonplanet.com/uncategorized/12615-anthony-sinisuka-ginting-slays-chen-long-enter-asian-games-semis.html|website=badmintonplanet.com|date=26 August 2018 |access-date=17 April 2022}} In September, Chen lost in the quarter-finals of both the Japan and China Open to Khosit Phetpradab{{cite web |title=Phetpradab stuns Chen Long at Japan Open|url=https://www.gulf-times.com/story/606096/Phetpradab-stuns-Chen-Long-at-Japan-Open|website=gulf-times.com|date=15 September 2018 |access-date=17 April 2022}} and Anthony Ginting{{cite web |title=China Open 2018: Anthony Ginting's grit, tactical acumen on show in title win; Carolina Marin reigns supreme|url=https://www.firstpost.com/sports/china-open-2018-anthony-gintings-grit-tactical-acumen-on-show-in-title-win-carolina-marin-reigns-supreme-5245481.html|website=firstpost.com|date=23 September 2018 |access-date=17 April 2022}} respectively. In October, he won his first French Open title by defeating Shi Yuqi in the final.{{cite web |title=French Open 2018 Finals – Chen Long at Last|url=https://www.badzine.net/2018/10/french-open-final-chen-long-at-last/|website=badzine.net|access-date=17 April 2022}} In November, Chen lost in the semi-finals to Kento Momota, at the Fuzhou China Open.{{cite web |title=Battles of Wills – Semi-finals: Fuzhou China Open 2018|url=https://bwfworldtour.bwfbadminton.com/news-single/2018/11/10/battles-of-wills-semi-finals-fuzhou-china-open-2018|website=BWF|access-date=17 April 2022}}

Chen began his season at the Malaysia Masters where he reached the final but was defeated by Son Wan-ho in straight games.{{cite web |title=Son beats Chen in Malaysia Masters final|url=https://www.shine.cn/sport/1901208427/|website=shine.cn|access-date=17 April 2022}} He then participated in the Indonesia Masters where he lost to Viktor Axelsen in the quarter-finals.{{cite web |title=Indonesia Masters 2019 QF – Axelsen over Chen, 'minions' do Asian Games repeat|url=http://www.badzine.net/2019/01/indonesia-masters-qf-axelsen-over-chen-minions-do-asian-games-repeat/|website=badzine.net|access-date=17 April 2022}} In March, he was upset in the first round of the All England Open by Denmark youngster, Rasmus Gemke.{{cite web |title=Chen Long, Intanon Crash Out – All England: Day 1|url=https://bwfworldtour.bwfbadminton.com/news-single/2019/03/06/chen-long-intanon-crash-out-all-england|website=BWF|access-date=17 April 2022}} Chen followed up his disappointment with a better showing at the Swiss Open where he managed to reach the semi-finals before losing to B. Sai Praneeth.{{cite web |title=Swiss Open badminton: India's B Sai Praneeth stuns Chen Long to progress into final of men's singles event|url=https://www.firstpost.com/sports/swiss-open-badminton-indias-b-sai-praneeth-stuns-chen-long-to-progress-into-final-of-mens-singles-event-6275701.html|website=firstpost.com|date=17 March 2019 |access-date=17 April 2022}} In April, he reached the final of the Malaysia Open but lost to his compatriot Lin Dan.{{cite news |title=Badminton: Unseeded veteran Lin Dan outlasts fellow Chinese Chen Long to win Malaysia Open|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/badminton-unseeded-veteran-lin-dan-outlasts-fellow-chinese-chen-long-to-win-malaysia-open|website=The Straits Times|date=7 April 2019 |access-date=17 April 2022}} At the Singapore Open, Chen was eliminated by Anthony Ginting in the quarter-finals.{{cite news |title=Badminton: Indonesia's Anthony Sinisuka Ginting shocks Olympic champion Chen Long to reach semi-finals|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/badminton-indonesias-anthony-sinisuka-ginting-shocks-olympic-champion-chen-long-to-reach-semi|website=The Straits Times|date=12 April 2019 |access-date=17 April 2022}} At Badminton Asia Championships, he gave a walkover at the quarter-finals due to high fever.{{cite web |title=Vietnam's Tien Minh Game for His Fourth Olympics|url=https://www.badmintonasia.org/updates/news/vietnam-s-tien-minh-game-for-his-fourth-olympics|website=badmintonasia.org|date=26 April 2019 |access-date=17 April 2022}} In May, Chen was part of the Chinese team that won the Sudirman Cup.{{cite web |title=China Defeats Japan to Win 2019 Sudirman Cup Final|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2838068-china-defeats-japan-to-win-2019-sudirman-cup-final|website=bleacherreport.com|access-date=17 April 2022}} In August, he participated in the BWF World Championships and lost to Anders Antonsen in the quarter-finals.{{cite web |title=Olympic champion Chen Long knocked out by Antonsen in badminton worlds quarters|url=http://www.china.org.cn/sports/2019-08/24/content_75133867.htm|website=china.org.cn|access-date=17 April 2022}} In September, Chen was defeated by Kento Momota in the semi-finals of the China Open.{{cite web |title=Momota Vs Ginting Ii – China Open: Day 5|url=https://bwfworldtour.bwfbadminton.com/news-single/2019/09/21/momota-vs-ginting-ii-china-open-day-5|website=BWF|access-date=17 April 2022}} In October, Chen finished as a runner-up in the Denmark Open, after losing the Kento Momota again.{{cite web |title=Momota and Tai seal defence of titles at BWF Denmark Open|url=https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1086178/momota-tai-defend-title-bwf-denmark-open|website=insidethegames.biz|date=20 October 2019 |access-date=17 April 2022}} He then rebounded by winning the French Open, his second consecutive and his first individual title of the year.{{cite web |title=Olympic champion Chen Long ends 12-month drought by winning badminton's French Open title|url=https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3035194/olympic-champion-chen-long-ends-12-month-drought-winning-badmintons|website=scmp.com|date=28 October 2019 |access-date=17 April 2022}} At the end-year BWF World Tour Finals, he lost to Anthony Ginting in the semi-finals.{{cite web |title=Zheng/Huang on Song – World Tour Finals: Day 4|url=https://bwfworldtourfinals.bwfbadminton.com/news-single/2019/12/14/zheng-huang-on-song-world-tour-finals-day-4|website=BWF|access-date=17 April 2022}}

In 2020, Chen participated in only two tournaments before the COVID-19 outbreak ended his season early. In January, he reached the quarter-finals of the Malaysia Masters where he lost to Viktor Axelsen in three games.{{cite web |title=Viktor Axelsen becomes the last semifinalist of Malaysia Masters 2020, who are the other 19 players?|url=https://www.jpnn.com/news/viktor-axelsen-jadi-semifinalis-terakhir-malaysia-masters-2020-siapa-19-pemain-lainnya|website=jpnn.com|access-date=16 April 2022}} Similarly, in March, he reached the quarter-finals of the All England Open but lost to Lee Zii Jia in straight games.{{cite news |title=Lee Zii Jia stuns Chen Long at All England Championship|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/badminton/lee-zii-jia-stuns-chen-long-at-all-england-championship/articleshow/74622915.cms|newspaper=The Times of India|date=14 March 2020 |access-date=16 April 2022}}

At the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Chen's first tournament of the year, he managed to reach the final after defeating Raul Must{{cite web |title=CHEN Long: My son didn't understand I was a badminton star, but maybe now he will be supporting me|url=https://olympics.com/en/news/reigning-olympic-champion-son-pressure|website=olympics.com|access-date=18 April 2022}} and Pablo Abian{{cite web |title=Expect fireworks as Zii Jia clashes with Chen Long in last 16|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/sport/badminton/2021/07/28/expect-fireworks-as-zii-jia-clashes-with-chen-long-in-last-16|website=thestar.com.my|access-date=18 April 2022}} in the group stage, Lee Zii Jia in the Round of 16,{{cite web |title=Heartbreak for Zii Jia as Chen Long marches to Olympics quarter-finals|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/sport/badminton/2021/07/29/heartbreak-for-zii-jia-as-chen-long-marches-to-olympics-quarter-finals|website=thestar.com.my|access-date=18 April 2022}}{{cite web |title=Despite best efforts, national badminton ace Zii Jia falls to defending Olympic champion Chen Long after three sets in round of 16|url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/sports/2021/07/29/despite-best-efforts-national-badminton-ace-zii-jia-falls-to-defending-olym/1993730|website=malaymail.com|access-date=18 April 2022}} Chou Tien-chen in the quarter-finals{{cite web |title=Tokyo Olympics: China's Chen Long upsets Taiwan's Chou Tien-chen for spot in badminton semi-final|url=https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3143316/tokyo-olympics-chinas-chen-long-upsets-taiwans-chou-tien-chen-spot|website=scmp.com|date=31 July 2021 |access-date=18 April 2022}} and Anthony Ginting in the semi-finals.{{cite web |title=Anthony Sinisuka Ginting's Olympic badminton gold quest ends at the hands of Chen Long|url=https://www.espn.com.sg/olympics/story/_/id/31932329/anthony-sinisuka-ginting-olympic-badminton-gold-quest-ends-hands-chen-long|website=espn.com.sg|date=August 2021 |access-date=18 April 2022}}{{cite web |title=Chen Long Broke Ginting's Hard Work In Tokyo 2020 Semifinals|url=https://voi.id/en/sports/72009/chen-long-broke-ginting-s-hard-work-in-tokyo-2020-semifinals|website=voi.id|access-date=18 April 2022}} However, in the final, he was not able to overcome Viktor Axelsen, thus failing to defend his title from 2016.{{cite web |title=Fit for a prince: Denmark's Axelsen takes badminton gold - and royal call|url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/fit-for-a-prince-denmark-axelsen-takes-badminton-gold-2088246|website=channelnewsasia.com|access-date=18 April 2022}}{{cite web |title=Tokyo Olympics: Viktor Axelsen thanks his 'inspiration' Chen Long after beating Chinese star to badminton gold|url=https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3143554/tokyo-olympics-viktor-axelsen-thanks-his-inspiration-chen-long-after|website=scmp.com|date=2 August 2021 |access-date=16 April 2022}} Fans expressed disappointment towards Chen Long for losing to Axelsen, despite defeating Ginting in the semi finals. At the same time, fans praised him for being good sports even when facing defeat. Zhang Jun, the President of the Chinese Badminton Association, then revealed that Chen's less-than-ideal performance may have been due to a blister on the ball of his foot that had developed during the group stage of the competition and it was so bad that he could not run. He added that he was touched by Chen’s fighting spirit to continue playing. This news created a ripple of concern and worry towards his physical health, as he was already battling with previous back injuries.{{cite web |title=Chinese Olympic Shuttler Chen Long Was Called "Useless" For Not Winning Badminton Gold; Coach Reveals How Badly Blistered His Feet Were During Match|url=https://www.todayonline.com/8days/sceneandheard/entertainment/chinese-olympic-shuttler-chen-long-was-called-useless-not-winning|website=todayonline.com|access-date=16 April 2022}} In September, Chen participated in the Chinese National Championships and declared that it will be his last.{{cite web |title=Chen Long Loses to Shi Yuqi in China's 14th National Games Men's Singles Semis|url=https://www.badmintonplanet.com/badminton-news/18275-chen-long-loses-shi-yuqi-chinas-14th-national-games-mens-singles-semis.html|website=badmintonplanet.com|date=17 September 2021 |access-date=16 April 2022}}

After not competing on tour since the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Chen officially announced his retirement from professional badminton at the age of 34. The decision followed discussions with his family, prioritizing their well-being and seeking a more balanced family life. {{cite news |title=Badminton great Chen Long 'full of emotion' as he retires at 34|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/badminton-great-chen-long-full-of-emotion-as-he-retires-at-34|website=The Straits Times|date=20 May 2023 |access-date=21 May 2023}}

Due to stellar performance in badminton, Chen was awarded BWF male player of the year twice back-to-back in 2014 and 2015.{{cite news|title=Chen, Zhao Honoured for Stellar 2014|url=https://bwfbadminton.com/news-single/2014/12/16/chen-zhao-honoured-for-stellar-2014|website=BWF Badminton|date=16 December 2014|access-date=25 December 2024}}{{cite news|title=Chen, Marin crowned BWF players of the year|url=https://bwfbadminton.com/news-single/2015/12/08/chen-marin-crowned-bwf-players-of-the-year|website=BWF Badminton|date=8 December 2015|access-date=25 December 2024}} His retainment of the World Championship crown in 2015 propelled him to be touted as one of the top athletes of the year in China.{{cite news|title=Yearender 2015: Chinese athletes of year|url=https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/sports/2015-12/29/content_22852414_10.htm|website=China Daily|date=29 December 2015|access-date=25 December 2024}} In 2024, Chen was inducted into the Badminton Hall of Fame in the same class as Lee Yong-dae, a former Korean Men's and Mixed Doubles player.{{cite news|title=Lee Yong Dae, Chen Long Named to BWF Hall of Fame|url=https://bwfbadminton.com/news-single/2024/12/03/lee-yong-dae-chen-long-named-to-bwf-hall-of-fame|website=BWF Badminton|date=3 December 2024|access-date=25 December 2024}}

Chen married former World No.1 badminton player Wang Shixian in 2017, after over a decade together.{{cite web |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/in-other-media/2017/11/30/badminton-ace-chen-long-gets-married/ |title=Badminton ace Chen Long gets married |newspaper=China Press |date=30 November 2017}} Wang gave birth to a son in June 2019.{{cite news | url = https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/little-coffee-boost-for-chen |title = 'Little Coffee' boost for Chen | date = 23 January 2020 | access-date = 2 August 2021 | last = Lee |first = David | newspaper = The Straits Times }}

Chen Long's surname {{linktext|谌}} was actually pronounced Shèn{{Cite web|url=http://blog.sina.com.cn/s/blog_94d38b2c0102wlmr.html|title = 不得不说的奥运冠军谌龙之姓氏读音_谌氏文史网_新浪博客}} but the word 谌 is pronounced chén when not used as a surname. As a result of this, mispronunciation happens a lot, and early in his career when he enrolled in China's athlete system his surname was registered incorrectly as Chen. He tried to correct it but failed because of bureaucracy and finally let go of it.{{cn|date=May 2025}}

Men's singles

Men's singles

Men's singles

Men's singles

Boys' singles

Boys' singles

The BWF World Tour, which was announced on 19 March 2017 and implemented in 2018,{{cite web |last=Alleyne |first=Gayle |title=BWF Launches New Events Structure |url=http://bwfbadminton.com/news-single/2017/03/19/bwf-launches-new-event-structure/ |publisher=Badminton World Federation |date=19 March 2017 |access-date=29 November 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201164159/http://bwfbadminton.com/news-single/2017/03/19/bwf-launches-new-event-structure/ |archive-date=1 December 2017}} is a series of elite badminton tournaments sanctioned by the Badminton World Federation (BWF). The BWF World Tour is divided into levels of World Tour Finals, Super 1000, Super 750, Super 500, Super 300 (part of the HSBC World Tour), and the BWF Tour Super 100.{{cite web |last=Sukumar |first=Dev |title=Action-Packed Season Ahead! |url=http://bwfworldtour.com/news-single/2018/01/10/action-packed-season-ahead/ |publisher=Badminton World Federation |date=10 January 2018 |access-date=15 January 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180113162925/http://bwfworldtour.com/news-single/2018/01/10/action-packed-season-ahead/ |archive-date=13 January 2018}}

Men's singles

The BWF Superseries, which was launched on 14 December 2006 and implemented in 2007,{{cite web |title=BWF Launches Super Series |url=http://www.badminton.org.au/index.php?id=22&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=136&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=2&cHash=26fb36d8a5 |publisher=Badminton Australia |date=15 December 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071006123828/http://www.badminton.org.au/index.php?id=22&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=136&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=2&cHash=26fb36d8a5 |url-status=dead |archive-date=6 October 2007}} was a series of elite badminton tournaments, sanctioned by the Badminton World Federation (BWF). BWF Superseries levels were Superseries and Superseries Premier. A season of Superseries consisted of twelve tournaments around the world that had been introduced since 2011.{{cite web |title=Yonex All England Elevated To BWF Premier Super Series Event |url=http://www.ibadmintonstore.com/iBADMINTONstore-News/Yonex-All-England-Elevated-To-BWF-Premier-Super-Se.aspx |publisher=IBadmintonstore |access-date=29 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002005757/http://www.ibadmintonstore.com/iBADMINTONstore-News/Yonex-All-England-Elevated-To-BWF-Premier-Super-Se.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 October 2013}} Successful players were invited to the Superseries Finals, which were held at the end of each year.

Men's singles

: {{Color box|#B0C4DE|border=darkgray}} BWF Superseries Finals tournament

: {{Color box|#DAA520|border=darkgray}} BWF Superseries Premier tournament

: {{Color box|#FFFFCC|border=darkgray}} BWF Superseries tournament

The BWF Grand Prix had two levels, the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Gold. It was a series of badminton tournaments sanctioned by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and played between 2007 and 2017.

Men's singles

: {{Color box|#FFFF67|border=darkgray}} BWF Grand Prix Gold tournament

: {{Color box|#D4F1C5|border=darkgray}} BWF Grand Prix tournament

{{Performance key (badminton)}}

Record against year-end Finals finalists, World Championships semi-finalists, and Olympic quarter-finalists.{{cite web|title=Chen's head-to-head record against other players|url=http://bwfcontent.tournamentsoftware.com/profile/selectheadtohead.aspx?id=8F42FC23-89C1-40CF-8F20-8519DE2BE4EF|archive-url=https://archive.today/20131018170736/http://bwfcontent.tournamentsoftware.com/profile/selectheadtohead.aspx?id=8F42FC23-89C1-40CF-8F20-8519DE2BE4EF|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 18, 2013|access-date=November 5, 2013}}{{cite web|url=https://bwfbadminton.com/player/75787/chen-long/tournament-results/|title=HEAD TO HEAD ANALYSIS|access-date=27 October 2019|website=bwfbadminton.com}}

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{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category|Chen Long}}

• {{BWFB|75787}}
• {{BWFT|8F42FC23-89C1-40CF-8F20-8519DE2BE4EF|member_id=75787}}
• {{webarchive |title=Chen Long at BadmintonLink.com |access-date=2015-05-24 |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150514045735/http://www.badmintonlink.com/Player-Info/15/Chen_Long |date=dmy}}
• {{Olympedia}}
• {{Olympics.com profile|long-chen}}

{{Footer Olympic Champions Badminton Singles Men}}

{{Footer World Champions Badminton Singles Men}}

{{Footer Thomas Cup Champions Badminton Team Men}}

{{Footer Sudirman Cup Champions Badminton Team Mixed}}

{{Footer All England Open Championships Badminton Singles Men}}

{{Footer BWF Super Series Masters Finals men's singles champions}}

{{Footer Asian Games Champions Badminton Team Men}}

{{Footer Asian Champions Badminton Singles Men}}

{{BWF Player of the Year}}

{{Badminton Hall of Fame members}}

{{Xinhua News Agency's Top Ten Chinese Athletes of the Year}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Chen, Long}}

Category:1989 births

Category:Living people

Category:People from Jingzhou

Category:Badminton players from Hubei

Category:Chinese male badminton players

Category:Badminton players at the 2012 Summer Olympics

Category:Badminton players at the 2016 Summer Olympics

Category:Badminton players at the 2020 Summer Olympics

Category:Olympic badminton players for China

Category:Olympic gold medalists for China

Category:Olympic silver medalists for China

Category:Olympic bronze medalists for China

Category:Olympic medalists in badminton

Category:Medalists at the 2012 Summer Olympics

Category:Medalists at the 2016 Summer Olympics

Category:Medalists at the 2020 Summer Olympics

Category:Badminton players at the 2010 Asian Games

Category:Badminton players at the 2014 Asian Games

Category:Badminton players at the 2018 Asian Games

Category:Asian Games gold medalists for China

Category:Asian Games silver medalists for China

Category:Asian Games medalists in badminton

Category:Medalists at the 2010 Asian Games

Category:Medalists at the 2014 Asian Games

Category:Medalists at the 2018 Asian Games

Category:World No. 1 badminton players

Category:21st-century Chinese sportsmen