Saturday was a mixed day for India at the India Open 2024. While Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy eased into the finals of the men’s doubles, HS Prannoy bowed out in the men’s singles.
The world No.2 men’s doubles pair of Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy recorded a stellar victory against Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik of Malaysia in the semi-finals of India Open in Delhi on Saturday. The Indian pair defeated Tokyo Olympics bronze medallists Chia and Wooi Yik 21-18, 21-14.
Both pairs came out all guns blazing in the first game as they went toe to toe with each other. But with the game tied at 17-17, Chirag-Satwik scored three straight points to surge ahead and take the lead in the tie.
The Malaysians returned strong in the second game as they opened up a 10-6 lead. But the Indian pair adopted an ultra-aggressive style of play and scored five straight points to overturn a 10-13 deficit. The duo then sealed their place in the final by winning an epic 29-shot rally.
Reflecting on their performance, Chirag Shetty said, “It was a good win today. Going into the match, we knew that it would be a tough game because we always had some really close games. But luckily, in the end, we stayed calm and eventually won. The crowd support has been tremendous. It feels really special and I hope to see many more people coming in huge numbers tomorrow as well. Last year, we couldn’t complete the tournament, but this time playing in the final, against the Koreans who are a formidable duo, definitely it will be a good match. We aim for the title”
Shetty and Rankireddy will face reigning world champions Kang Min Hyuk and Seo Seung Jae of South Korea in the final.
Meanwhile, in the men’s singles semi-finals, 2023 World Championships bronze medallist HS Prannoy went down fighting against the World No. 2 Shi Yu Qui of China as he suffered a 15-21, 5-21 defeat. The two shuttlers were closely matched in the first game. However, after Prannoy levelled the score at 14-14 after winning a 37-shot rally, his Chinese opponent scored four successive points to claim the first game.
Shi Yu Qui then raised his level of play in the second game as he dominated proceedings with his efficient movement and destructive smashes. Prannoy could not keep up with his opponent’s style of play and soon his fate was sealed. Shi Yu Qui will face Hong Kong’s Lee Chuek Yiu in the final.
