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Indian badminton stars Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty continued their remarkable run on the global circuit as they stormed into the semifinals of the prestigious China Open on Friday. The world No. 3 men’s doubles pair showcased their dominance once again, defeating Malaysia’s Ong Yew Sin and Teo Ee Yi in straight games with a convincing 21-18, 21-14 victory. Their triumph, achieved in just 40 minutes, underlined their consistency and status as one of the most formidable doubles teams in world badminton today. However, the day ended on a bittersweet note for Indian fans as teenage sensation Unnati Hooda’s dream run in the women’s singles came to a close in the quarterfinals.
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Satwik and Chirag, who have been in scintillating form this season, displayed their trademark aggressive play and perfect on-court understanding. Right from the opening rallies, the Indian duo exerted pressure on their Malaysian opponents with precise smashes, quick reflexes, and tactical net play. The first game saw the Indians take an early lead, though Sin and Yi mounted a brief comeback to close the gap. Nevertheless, Satwik and Chirag maintained their composure and sealed the opener 21-18.
The second game initially remained a tight contest as both pairs matched each other point for point until 15-14. It was at this critical juncture that the Indian pair shifted gears, unleashing a series of attacking shots and exploiting gaps in the Malaysian defense. Winning six consecutive points, Satwik and Chirag wrapped up the match in style, continuing their dominant run against Ong and Teo, against whom they now boast a 7-3 head-to-head record.
This victory marks the Indian pair’s fourth semifinal appearance of the year, further cementing their credentials as genuine title contenders in major tournaments. In the semifinals, they will face another strong Malaysian pair, the world No. 2 duo of Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik. The upcoming clash promises to be an electrifying encounter as both teams have a history of thrilling battles on the court.
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Chirag Shetty, reflecting on their win, credited their success to effective communication and a well-executed strategy. “We knew we had to stay aggressive and control the rallies. Satwik was outstanding at the back, and I managed to keep things tight at the net. We are happy with how we played, but the job is not done yet,” he said. Satwik echoed similar sentiments, expressing confidence about their semifinal clash. “Aaron and Soh are a fantastic pair, and matches against them are always intense. We will give our best and stick to our game plan.”
While Satwik and Chirag’s performance lifted the spirits of Indian badminton fans, Unnati Hooda’s exit was a moment of disappointment mixed with pride. The 17-year-old prodigy, who had captured headlines by defeating two-time Olympic medalist PV Sindhu in the pre-quarterfinals, faced a stern test against Japan’s world No. 4 Akane Yamaguchi. Despite her valiant effort, Unnati succumbed to a 16-21, 12-21 loss in a match that lasted just 33 minutes.
The opening game saw Unnati hold her own for a while, engaging Yamaguchi in long rallies and displaying her attacking flair. However, the Japanese star’s superior court coverage and sharp shot placement allowed her to take control of the game. The second game followed a similar pattern as Yamaguchi’s relentless pace and tactical brilliance proved too much for the young Indian. Although Unnati managed to produce flashes of brilliance, she was unable to sustain the pressure required to challenge a player of Yamaguchi’s calibre.
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Despite the defeat, Unnati’s campaign has been nothing short of inspiring. Her victory over Sindhu, combined with earlier wins against higher-ranked players, has marked her as one of the brightest prospects in Indian badminton. Speaking after her loss, Unnati expressed her gratitude for the experience. “Playing against top players has been an incredible learning experience. I’m proud of how far I’ve come in this tournament, and I know there’s a lot I need to improve. I’ll come back stronger,” she said.
With Unnati’s exit, India’s singles challenge at the China Open comes to an end. However, the focus now shifts entirely to Satwik and Chirag, who have been carrying the torch for India in the doubles circuit. Their journey this season has been characterized by major milestones, including title wins and consistent performances at the highest level. As they prepare for the semifinals, expectations are soaring among fans and experts alike.
Former India coach Vimal Kumar praised the duo’s progress, stating, “Satwik and Chirag have matured immensely over the past year. Their understanding on court, combined with their aggressive style, makes them a top threat to any pair in the world. Beating Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik will not be easy, but they certainly have the game to do it.”
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The rise of Indian doubles in recent years has been one of the biggest positives for the sport in the country. Traditionally dominated by singles players, Indian badminton has seen a paradigm shift, thanks to the success of pairs like Satwik and Chirag. Their achievements have inspired a new generation of doubles players, proving that India can compete with the best in the world across all formats.
As the China Open moves into its business end, Satwik and Chirag stand just two wins away from another prestigious title. Their form, confidence, and growing experience at the elite level make them strong contenders. Indian fans will be eagerly awaiting their semifinal clash, hoping for another commanding performance that could set the stage for a memorable final.
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Regardless of the outcome, the duo’s journey has already left a significant mark on the tournament. Alongside Unnati Hooda’s fearless performances, the event has highlighted the growing depth and talent in Indian badminton. The future looks bright, with young players stepping up and established stars continuing to shine on the world stage.
For now, all eyes remain on Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty as they march towards what could be another historic achievement for Indian badminton
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