Clutching close games

There's a lot of hurdles in this game obviously but I'm wondering if people have hit this one and have been able to get over it.
You are starting to get really close to the next level of players (who used to cream you) however every time your are up 10-whatever they manage to
deuce you and take the deuce game. I'm talking games that should have been yours.

The other part of it is that there is no conscious change of game when in the situation. It just seems to happen over and over.

I can only think of a few ways to get over it. Become conscious that you are at 10-whatever and have a plan. Not sure what
the plan is. Another suggestion by tabletenniscoaching.com is to be aware of what worked earlier. That's a good one if
you can force yourself to be thinking at all times.

It's a rough area to be in. Much better than when you got smoked by these opponents but frustrating knowing that you have
improved into the "tough loss" area

Garrison - yes you may have a good point. The better player might switch up one gear. They may have been playing at 75% for the first part. Which brings it to MDP's point. You have to make it difficult for them to take the game over. That has to involve increasing risk which could go either way.

I also have experienced amazing points when hyped or when in relaxed mode - there's no rule there. I don't consciously get nerved when I'm up at 10 points. In my head I think that my probability of winning is high so it could be that unconsciously I let off the gas pedal. I need to test out a plan next time because playing the loss of lead and deuce out as regular points doesn't seem to work in my favor.