Not the biggest match of my life, but...
In 2013 and 2014, I was working in Saudi Arabia and brought a cue with me. I found an activity center with 7 - 9 foot tables, one of which was an old Brunswick others, I don't know. Tables were actually well taken care of. I mostly played there with a friend from work who also brought a cue, but sometimes went on my own and occasionally played with some Saudis and became a regular. Although they did not speak english and I did not speak Arabic, we all spoke the language of pool and they liked to play with me because they never saw anyone in person play as well as I did. I'm a fair player, but certainly no pro. Nobody gambled, because it was against the law, and for real.
Anyways, they had an annual tournament and the Saudis who worked there coaxed me into playing in it. The format was lag for initial break and then loser breaks. Initial sets were races to 3 and semi and finals races to 5. The first three matches, I mowed down the opponents. I can't claim because of great ability on my part, but more lack of experience on their part. I felt a little guilty, but always ascribed to the notion that you always play your best in tournaments, no matter who you are playing.
The semi-final match, I lost one game. My opponent was a fair player, but never played safe. In the final match, I was up 4 to 0 and my opponent, a bit of an arrogant person was getting angrier by the minute and kept jabbering while I was shooting in Arabic with the crowd of some 30 onlookers, who were definitely on his side and jeering at times when I missed. I ended up sinking two 8 balls inadvertently for losses and also put one in on the break, but scratched. WTF! I eventually ended up losing to the cheers of the onlookers and smug expression on my opponents face.
It was definitely a lesson in humility and also a reminder to bring earplugs. The tournament director was doing a lot of yelling in arabic to my opponent and the crowd afterwards. Later on, I learned he was admonishing them for poor sportsmanship. I wish he had done so earlier, but no excuses. No trophy for second place even.
The following year, I entered the tournament again and won, without much trouble. Although I did not get to play my previous antagonist because he got knocked out in the semi to my final opponent. Surprisingly, the onlookers were much more subdued, but did cheer for my Saudi opponent. I still have that trophy. Does not mean much, except as a reminder of the experience.
Sorry for the lengthy diatribe.