Another misjudged performance by Mr Obama could indeed come close to sealing his fate.

BBC: Obama's do-or-die debate

Israel's centrist opposition leader, Tzipi Livni insists that she came close to sealing a peace deal in 2008 with the Palestinians when she was foreign minister in the government replaced by Mr Netanyahu's coalition.

ECONOMIST: Worried Israel: Encircled by enemies again? | The

The Welshman saw his opponent close the gap to just one frame at 8-7 before finally sealing the victory.

BBC: Ebdon holds off Drago

And it was Young who capped a fine performance by sealing victory seconds later, when he met Heskey's cross from close range.

BBC: Aston Villa 3-1 Blackburn