Kuala Lumpur: World number two players Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty have made a spectacular comeback, registering their names in history and securing their place in the men’s doubles final of the Malaysia Open Super 1000 tournament.
Her win over Korea’s Kang Min Hyuk and Seo Seung Jae not only displayed her resilience but also marked a historic milestone as the first Indian in any discipline to reach the final of the Malaysia Open in the Open era, Which lasted till 1983.
The dynamic duo, ranked second in the world, followed up their extraordinary performance from last year, where they had already won six titles. Their skills on the court were on full display as they went down 11-18 in the second game, but registered an impressive 21-18, 22-20 win and emphatically sealed their place in the final.
The Bukit Jalil Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur witnessed the historic feat with fans eagerly watching the live updates and cheering for the Indian contingent. Satwik-Chirag’s journey through Malaysia Open 2024 became a mark of pride for Indian badminton, underscoring the country’s growing influence on the global badminton stage.
As they progressed, the duo’s accomplishments highlighted the resilience and determination that defines their partnership, and set the stage for an exciting final showdown. Their coordinated efforts and strategic brilliance ensured a quick and decisive victory over their Korean counterparts, leaving an indelible mark on the prestigious tournament.
However, the badminton story unfolded with a mix of triumphs and disappointments for India. While Satwik-Chirag reached new heights, their compatriots Ashwini Ponnappa and Tanisha Crasto suffered a defeat to Japan’s R Iwanaga and K Nakanishi in the women’s doubles quarterfinals on Saturday.
