HYDERABAD, India Lin Dan of China made history when he became the first shuttler to win a third successive mens singles title at the World Badminton Championships here on Sunday.

Fifth-seeded Lin, champion in 2006 and 2007, needed 46 minutes to down compatriot Chen Jin 21-18, 21-16 in the final.

The championships were not held last year because of the Beijing Olympics.

Such was Lins dominance here that he dropped just one game in six matches -- against sixth-seeded Indonesian Sony Dwi Kuncoro in the semi-final on Saturday.

Chinas Yang Yang was the other shuttler to win two successive mens singles titles since the championships began in 1977, but Lin did better with a memorable victory.

Lin, 25, said hard work was the key to his success.

'I am not a genius,' said Lin.

'I have worked very hard to achieve this. If others also work hard they can also achieve as much. I am very happy and honoured to win. We are team-mates and know each others game.

'I am not thinking of 2012 Olympics now. It is too far away. I want to finish this season first and then decide what to do next.'

Lin struggled to gain advantage in the initial stages of the final as Chen continued to impress with his returning game. His attacking flair then saw him gain a five-point lead, which eventually helped him win the opening game.

Chen, who lost to Lin in the Beijing Olympics semi-final, led 8-5 in the second game but could not maintain it as he made a few unforced errors at crucial stages.

'I am not disappointed. He is my team-mate and the gold is with China,'said Chen.

'Before the match I thought I had a chance, but Lin had more experience of the championships. He also made the most of his chances in the match.'Seventh-seeded Thomas Laybourn and Kamilla Rytter Juhl of Denmark claimed the mixed doubles title with a 21-13, 21-17 victory over second-seeded Indonesians Nova Widianto and Liliyana Natsir.