Changzhou, China : India’s top men’s doubles pair, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, bowed out of the China Open 2025 Super 1000 tournament after a straight-game defeat to Malaysia’s Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik in the semi-finals. The Malaysian second seeds produced a dominant display to win 21‑13, 21‑17 and advance to the final.
This loss marked Satwik and Chirag’s third consecutive defeat to Chia and Soh, extending the Malaysians’ head-to-head lead to 11‑3. The Indian duo had enjoyed a brief winning run against them between 2023 and 2024 but were once again outplayed in key moments.
Poor Start And Lost Opportunities
The match began with Chia and Soh asserting early control, racing to a strong lead in the opening game. Satwik-Chirag struggled with rhythm and failed to close the gap, conceding the first game 13‑21. In the second, the Indians mounted a spirited comeback from 12‑16 down to level at 16‑16, but a series of errors and tactical lapses proved costly as the Malaysians pulled ahead to seal the win.
“We had our chances, especially in the second game,” Chirag Shetty said after the match. “But we were playing strokes which we shouldn’t have… we didn’t execute the plan as well as we should have.”
Fourth Super 1000/750 Semi-Final Of The Season
Despite the defeat, the result capped another consistent tournament for the Indian pair, who have now reached four semi-finals in major events this year — including the India Open, Singapore Open, and Malaysia Open. However, the pair is yet to convert these deep runs into a title in 2025.
Their performance at the China Open showcased glimpses of their potential, but also highlighted the areas requiring improvement, particularly against top-level opponents like Chia-Soh, who are known for their relentless pressure and rock-solid defense.
Looking Ahead
With the World Championships on the horizon, Satwik-Chirag will now shift their focus toward refining their tactical play and improving execution in crunch situations. The duo remains a key part of India’s badminton ambitions, and with continued resilience and learning, they will aim to break their title drought in the months ahead.
Match Summary:
Match Winner Score
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy / Chirag Shetty vs Aaron Chia / Soh Wooi Yik Chia/Soh (MAS) 21‑13, 21‑17.
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