Hans-Kristian Vittinghus knew one mistake would cost him the opening game of the US Open final.
Facing a 20-19 deficit, the Denmark international bided his time – rebuffing the approaches of opponent Lee Chong Wei – before launching an all-out assault.
His first smash sent Lee sprawling to the floor, but the shuttlecock returned.
His second shot had the Malaysian scampering too, but again the shuttle returned – this time looping over his head for a sure winner.
Vittinghus was left with only one option: the ‘hot dog’.
He charged after the shuttle, lifted one leg off the floor and swung his racquet… watching as it flew over Lee’s head and bounced down for a clean winner.
It was the ultimate pressure shot, with the tournament organisers rightly naming it their ‘Play Of The Day’ and setting it some extremely epic music.
Sadly, for fans of Vittinghus anyway, he was unable to capitalise on his momentum as he lost 22-20 21-12 to Lee in New York on Sunday.
Eurosport
