China's Li Xuerui returns a shot to compatriot Wang Yihan during their women's singles badminton gold medal match at the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Wembley Arena August 4, 2012. [Photo / Agencies]

LONDON -- Li Xuerui beat fellow Chinese Wang Yihan 2-1 to take the women's singles badminton gold medal at the Olympic Games on Saturday.

Li beat Wang 21-15, 21-23 and 21-17 in the final, Wang Xin of China retired while leading 21-18 and 1-0 in the bronze medal match against Indian Saina Nehwal.