Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty lost to the Malaysian pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik 13-21, 17-21 in the semi-finals of the China Open Super 1000. This was their 14th encounter, where the Indian pair once again fell behind.
China Open: The journey of Indian star doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty came to an end in the semi-finals of the China Open Super 1000 badminton tournament. In the match played on July 26, the top Indian pair was defeated in straight games by the Malaysian pair of Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik with a score of 13-21, 17-21.
Another Defeat Against the Malaysian Pair
This match proved to be another difficult experience for Satwik-Chirag. This is their repeated sequence of defeats against the world's number two Malaysian pair. Even before this, Malaysia has had the upper hand in 14 encounters between the two teams. Aaron and Soh also defeated the Indian pair in the quarter-finals of the Tokyo Olympics.
First Game: Lost the Lead Before Gaining Momentum
In the first game of the match, Satwik-Chirag looked defensive from the start. The Malaysian pair put pressure through fast-paced rally games and won the first game 21-13. The service and net play of the Indian players were not up to par.
Second Game: Chance to Come Back but...
The Indian pair showed a better game in the second game. The score was tied several times, and Satwik-Chirag also took the lead on some occasions. But wrong shot selection and unforced errors at crucial moments spoiled their efforts. As a result, this game also slipped out of their hands with a score of 17-21.
Chirag's Reaction to the Loss
After the match, Chirag Shetty admitted that the team had opportunities but could not utilise them properly. "We had a lead, especially in the second game. I played some shots that I shouldn't have. We had a strategy, but we couldn't implement it properly. That was the main reason for the defeat."
He also said that the team still needs to play to its 100% potential. "Winning such matches will take us forward. We still need to prepare more."
Indian Pair's Season Successful So Far
Although this defeat is disappointing, the 2025 season can be considered successful so far for Satwik-Chirag. They reached the semi-finals of major tournaments like the India Open, Singapore Open, and Malaysia Open this year. In the China Open as well, they made it to the final four by defeating the pair of Ong Yew Sin and Teo Ee Yi in the quarter-finals.
Strength of the Malaysian Pair
Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik are in excellent form at the moment.
- They have both speed and variety in their rally play.
- Control at the net and smashing from the backcourt are their greatest strengths.
- The Indian pair tried several times, but the Malaysian players' defence was very b.
