Roger Federer’s second moment of genius at the US Open left Telegraph Sport pondering 10 of the greatest plays and shots of all time. Have we included the best of the best? Have your say below…
1. Alexander Ovechkin: Washington v Phoenix, 2006
The Washington Capitals ice hockey star falls backwards, rolly-pollies, twists his stick over his head and still manages to find time to slide the puck into the net for one of the greatest plays in NHL history. The Russian’s magic set alight a meaningless regular season game which the Capitals won 6-1 over Phoenix.
2. Tiger Woods: 2005 Masters
The World No 1’s eyes scour left to right before he chips his second shot at the 16th hole from the rough. It breaks right, tracks towards the hole and wobbles tantalisingly on the lip before finally toppling in.
3. Roberto Carlos: Brazil v France free-kick, 1997
The Brazilian seemed to have aimed at the ball-boy to the right of the goal. He merely chose to ignore the laws of physics as the ball departs from its straight and natural course, switching direction at the last moment into the right side of the net.
4. Jeff Malone: Washington v Detroit, 1984
Heralded as one of the greatest buzzer-beating plays in NBA history, Washington Bullets’ Jeff Malone makes a miracle last-second three-pointer while falling out of bounds against the Pistons.
5. Doug Flutie: Boston College v Miami, 1984
It is easy to see why Flutie’s last-second pass is known as a “Hail Mary” touchdown as his 48-yard throw to Gerard Phelan secures one of the most thrilling finishes in college football history and a 47-45 win for Boston.
6. Willie Mays: Baseball’s World Series, 1954
The World Series gets off to a memorable start between New York Giants and Cleveland Indians. Simply remembered as “The Catch”, the Giants centre fielder tracks a long drive by Vic Wertz and makes a sensational glove with his back to the infield.
7. Trinity College ‘lateral’ touchdown, 2007
We all know about the Barbarians 1973 try against the All Blacks, but how about this college football touchdown? The final play begins on Trinity’s 39-yard line with two seconds remaining before 15 laterals (backward passes) complete an incredible score. It was voted Time Magazine’s No 1 sporting moment of 2007.
8. Miguel Angel Jimenez: The Open, 2010
The treacherous Road Hole, the 17th at St Andrews, sees the Spaniard conjure a magical escape shot with his back turned to the green. He may have double-bogeyed the hole to sit 12 shots behind eventual winner Louis Oosthuizen, but his shot will be replayed for decades.
9. Nikša Kaleb: Croatia v Denmark, 2004 Olympics
Croatian handball player Nikša Kaleb sets the Athens Games alight with this twisting, turning goal for soon-to-be gold medallists Croatia against Denmark. More ballet than handball.
10. Jimmy White: Matchroom League, 1983
The six-times Crucible runner-up attempts the ultimate massé (curve) shot against a 17 year-old Ronnie O’Sullivan. David Vine, the BBC presenter, later described it as the “shot of the century” – Telegraph
