Badminton: Lee through to semi-finals at Malaysian Open

Lee, ranked third in the world, displayed confidence and fine form in the 40-minute game with swift attacks and a sturdy defence to win 21-14, 21-13.

He had missed last year’s edition because of a suspension after testing positive for dexamethasone, a banned anti-inflammatory, at the world championships in Copenhagen in 2014.

But in April last year the Badminton World Federation said Lee "accidentally" had ingested the banned substance and handed him an eight-month backdated ban, which effectively cleared him to resume his career.

“I controlled the game and was confident from the start. This was my best game to date and I am hoping for strong crowd support ahead of the semi-finals,” said Lee, who will square-off against Danish shuttler Jan O Jorgensen, ranked fifth in the world, in the next round on Saturday.

“Jorgensen will be a tough proposition, especially after his big win. But my record against him is great and I hope to better it when I play him," added Lee, who has repeatedly said he wants to realise his Olympic dreams this year.

Jorgensen cruised past a limp Lin Dan in the quarterfinals, wrapping up a 21-17, 21-4 triumph in 32-minutes to send the tattooed Chinese superstar, ranked number three in the world, packing.

“I feel good after beating one of the favourites. He is one of my idols and I grew up watching him, but he will be ever dangerous when the Olympics comes along,” said Jorgensen.