Lee, reluctant star facing uncertain future

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 9 (BSS/AFP):  Lee Chong Wei's long reign over badminton's world rankings has made him one of Asia's biggest sports stars, despite his frustrating failure to win major titles.

The 32-year-old Malay-sian's quiet and self-effacing manner have helped his adoring Malaysian fans overlook repeated failures in world and Olympic finals.

But whether the fiercely private family man will challenge for top honours in the future has been thrown into question by his shock positive test for the anti-inflammatory dexamethasone.

Any ban for Lee, increasingly troubled by injuries in recent years, could put paid to his attempt to extend his career to the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

It would be a sorry end for Lee, whose struggles to overcome Chinese nemesis Lin Dan have provided a compelling narrative for one of Asia's most closely followed sports.