Published on September 5
SHENZHEN (China): India’s top-ranked men’s doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty advanced to the final of the China Masters following their victory over Malaysia’s Nur Mohd Azriyn and Tan Wee Kiong 21-16, 18-21, 21-11 at the Shenzhen Arena on Saturday.
With this victory, the fondly called ‘Smash Bros’ registered their third final at the event in four years since 2023.
Though Satwik-Chirag began their semi-final clash with a 0-5 deficit, the Indians found their rhythm by scoring seven consecutive points 7-5 and maintained their lead from there to close the opening game 21-16. Then the Malaysians forced a decider by securing the second game 18-21.
The 2022 Asian Games champions then dominated the closing game, leaving little room for the Malaysians to recover. Though they managed to save two match points, their efforts weren’t enough as Satwik-Chirag confirmed their final spot with a 21-11 victory in an hour and six minutes.
They’ll face the winner of the match between Malaysia’s Tee Kai Wun/Yap Roy King and China’s He Ji Ting/Ren Xiang Yu in the final.