Lee Chong Wei vs Lin Dan — BWF World Championships 2011, F

Lin Dan outlasted Lee Chong Wei in a tight three-game battle, claiming the match 21-13, 21-23, 22-21 despite Lee taking the opener 23-20. Lin's decisive second game featured an eight-point run from 9-9 that essentially broke the match open, and he maintained control through a chaotic third game marked by eight lead changes where neither player could build separation until Lin edged ahead at the death. Both players leaned heavily on smashes to finish points, but Lee's net errors proved costly across the match, ultimately costing him what was a winnable contest.