In a thrilling showdown at the China Masters 2023, India’s top men’s doubles pair, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, narrowly missed out on the championship title as they were defeated 19-21, 21-18, 21-19 by the second-seeded Chinese duo, Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang. The final, held in Shenzhen, witnessed an incredible display of skill and resilience from both teams.
Despite facing adversity throughout the match, Rankireddy and Shetty showcased their determination. They saved six championship points when they were down 13-20, closing the gap to 19-20. However, Liang and Wang managed to secure the victory just in time, claiming the first men’s doubles China Masters title for the hosts in eight years.
Reflecting on the match, Chirag Shetty shared his thoughts, saying, “You never say never. I think at 13-20, we didn’t have much to lose because we were under no pressure. We had to win nine points on the trot for us to win the match.”
The final was marked by fluctuating fortunes and intense rallies. Both pairs focused on placement, angles, and varying the pace of the game to outmaneuver their opponents, rather than relying solely on smashing.
While the Indians managed to win the second game 21-18, they encountered difficulties in the decider as they fell behind 1-8. Despite their remarkable effort to save six championship points, the Chinese pair ultimately emerged victorious.
Despite the loss, Rankireddy and Shetty have had a remarkable year, winning multiple titles on the BWF World Tour, including the Swiss Open 2023, Indonesia Open 2023, and Korea Open 2023. They have also claimed the Badminton Asian Championships and the Asian Games gold medal.
The India duo has consistently showcased their prowess on the world stage and will undoubtedly remain a formidable force in men’s doubles badminton.
The China Masters 2023 was another testament to their skills and determination, even in the face of formidable opponents.
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