TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwanese basketball star Lin Chih-chieh (林志傑), known as "The Beast," retired from professional play on Sunday after a 20-year career, closing out a two-day farewell series with a win at Taipei Arena, per CNA.

The Taipei Fubon Braves defeated Yankey Ark 91-89 in front of a sellout crowd, marking the final game of Lin’s playing career. He will remain with the team next season as assistant team manager, according to Fubon Group Chair Tsai Ming-chung (蔡明忠).

Widely regarded as one of Taiwan’s greatest basketball players, Lin retires at age 42 with a career spanning multiple leagues, including the Super Basketball League, the Chinese Basketball Association, and P. League+.

Despite his age, Lin remained a key contributor until the end. In the first game of his retirement series on Saturday, he scored a season-high 21 points in the Braves’ 114-95 win over the Taoyuan Pauian Pilots.

Tsai announced Lin’s new role following Sunday’s game, saying the team hopes to preserve his leadership and competitive spirit. He also joked about extending Lin’s career.

"If you are willing, we can bring out the contract right now for you to sign it," Tsai said, drawing cheers from the crowd.

The two-day retirement series drew a total of 27,000 fans to Taipei Arena, reflecting Lin’s enduring popularity and influence on Taiwanese basketball.

At his retirement ceremony, Lin said he needed time to consider the idea of postponing his retirement, calling it a difficult decision. However, he readily accepted the offer to join the team’s management staff.

Reflecting on his career, Lin said he focused on fulfilling his role as a player and persevering through difficult challenges. He encouraged younger players to better understand themselves and develop their own style, per UDN.

"You can have role models, but you must remember, you can be yourself," he said.

Lin described the retirement experience as emotionally complex but ultimately rewarding. "I feel relieved after these past few days of complicated emotions. I am happy and grateful to the fans who came," he said. "I never thought I could play at this age."

He added that the ceremony made him more nervous than taking crucial free throws, but called the event one of the best memories of his career. "I will remember these two days. I am very happy. Thank you to the team," he said.

In lighter moments, Lin thanked fans and media, joking, "Try to take good pictures of me," reflecting his trademark humor.

Tsai said Lin will continue to serve as a spiritual leader for the team even after retiring as a player. "We hope he can pass on his discipline, hard work, and spirit to the next generation," Tsai said. "That is the culture of the team."