Satwik-Chirag storm into china Masters Final, Extend Remarkable Run
Shenzhen, China – Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty have reached their second consecutive final in as many weeks, defeating malaysias Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik 21-17, 21-14 at the $1.25 million china Masters Super 750 tournament on Saturday. The victory marks a significant turnaround for the world no. 7 Indian pair, who hadn’t reached a final in 16 months prior to their recent success.
The eighth-seeded indians dominated the second-seeded Malaysians in 41 minutes, delivering a statement win despite a historically lopsided 5-11 head-to-head record against the 2022 world champions.
This latest achievement builds on the momentum gained at the Hong Kong Open last Sunday, where Rankireddy and Shetty reached the final before falling to China’s Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang. They are now aiming for their first title since their triumph at the Thailand Open in May 2024.
Rankireddy and Shetty’s recent form has been extraordinary, highlighted by a bronze medal at the World Championships in Paris last month – making them onyl the third Indian player or pair, after Saina Nehwal (2 medals) and PV Sindhu (5 medals), to win multiple World Championships medals. They previously secured a bronze at the 2022 World Championships as well.
During Saturday’s match, the Indian duo showcased a well-rounded performance, combining their signature attacking prowess with strong defensive play, particularly thru Chirag Shetty’s quick reflexes at the net. After trailing 10-7 in the first game, they rallied to lead 19-14 and ultimately secure the game. They then surged to an 8-2 lead in the second, maintaining control throughout.
the pair will face a formidable challenge in Sunday’s final, taking on world No. 1 and reigning world and all England champions Kim Won Ho and Seo sung Jae of South Korea. The South Koreans currently hold a 1-0 advantage in head-to-head matchups, having defeated Rankireddy and Shetty in Malaysia last January.
