As his 18-14 lead turned into an 18-19 deficit in the decider of the Madrid Spain Masters men’s singles final, Loh Kean Yew feared the worst.

In the past 27 months, he had reached five finals, winning none. It looked like history would repeat itself against Frenchman Toma Junior Popov, who had been unbeaten in 12 singles finals at the senior level.