South Korean Pair Dethrones Satwik-Chirag at China Masters, Indian Duo's Title Drought Continues

India's premier men’s doubles badminton pair, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, once again fell at the final hurdle, losing to the South Korean duo of Seo Seung Jae and Kim Won Ho in the China Masters final on Sunday, September 22.

The defeat marks their second consecutive final loss, following a similar setback at the Hong Kong Open. In China, the Korean pair sealed the win in just 41 minutes with a 21-19, 21-15 scoreline.

The result came as a surprise given the dominant run Satwiksairaj and Chirag had displayed throughout the tournament. Since the Round of 32, the Indian duo had picked up wins in straight games all the way to the final, showcasing their formidable form.

The opening game was tightly contested. The Indian pair even managed to secure a seven-point lead at one stage, but the Koreans mounted a brilliant comeback to snatch the game. The second game began evenly, yet the South Korean duo maintained their momentum and converted opportunities to seal victory.

Satwiksairaj and Chirag’s wait for an open tournament win continues, with their last title coming at the Thailand Open in May 2024. At the Hong Kong Open earlier, they were beaten by China’s Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang in a thrilling three-game clash, 21-19, 14-21, 17-21. In that tournament, they had reached the semifinals after outclassing China’s Ren Xiang Yu and Xie Haonan 21-14, 21-14 in the quarterfinals.

The Indian duo, recently won bronze at the World Championships in August, marking their second consecutive medal at the prestigious event. Despite their consistent showings at major tournaments, a BWF World Tour title has eluded them this year.

While the setbacks may be frustrating, Satwiksairaj and Chirag remain a formidable pair on the world stage. With their blend of power, pace, and teamwork, the duo continues to be among India’s brightest hopes in men’s doubles badminton, leaving fans eager for the next breakthrough.