Indian Duo Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty Make History, Reach Maiden Malaysia Open Final
In a historic feat for Indian badminton, the dynamic duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty etched their names in the record books by reaching the final of the prestigious Malaysia Open. Recently honored with the Khel Ratna award, the pair became the first from India to achieve this milestone, marking a significant moment in their illustrious careers. Their journey to the final unfolded with a stunning victory over the formidable South Korean pair of Kang Min Hyuk and Seo Seung Jae.
Dominant Display: Straight-Games Victory Over South Koreans
In their first BWF tournament of 2024, Chirag and Satwik displayed dominance from the outset, securing a straight-games victory against the World No.3 South Korean pair. The Indian duo raced to an early 5-0 lead, keeping their opponents on the defensive. While the Koreans managed to score some points, they couldn’t close the gap significantly, ultimately surrendering the first game. Chirag and Satwik showcased a powerful serve and breached the opposition’s defense effectively throughout the match.
The South Korean pair fought back strongly in the second game, taking the lead and appearing poised for a comeback. With a substantial lead of 18-12, the World No.3 pair aimed to close the game. However, Chirag-Satwik staged a remarkable comeback, saving a game point and eventually clinching victory on deuce. The battling spirit and resilience displayed by the Indian duo ensured their place in the final.
Reflecting on a Stellar 2023: Khel Ratna Recognition
Chirag and Satwik’s journey to the Malaysia Open final comes on the heels of a stellar 2023. The pair received the prestigious Khel Ratna awards for their exceptional achievements, including a gold medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games and a bronze at the Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championships. Their success continued with victory over a Chinese pair in the Swiss Open final and clinching the title of Asian Champions at the 2023 Badminton Asia Championships.
The Indian duo will now face the winner of the other semifinal clash between Liang Wei Keng-Wang Chang and Takuro Hoki-Yugo Kobayashi in the Malaysia Open final. The Chinese pair holds the top seed, while the Japanese counterparts are seeded seventh. The much-anticipated final is scheduled for Sunday, setting the stage for a thrilling battle. Following the Malaysia Open, Chirag and Satwik will embark on their journey in the Indian Open, commencing on Tuesday.
