Satwik-Chirag Storm into China Open Quarters; HS Prannoy Falls in Second Round

India’s top men’s doubles duo, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, marched into the quarterfinals of the China Open Super 1000 badminton tournament with a composed and calculated straight-game victory over Indonesia’s eighth-seeded pair, Leo Rolly Carnando and Bagas Maulana, on Thursday.

In a high-intensity second-round clash, Satwik and Chirag, former world number ones, showed resilience and tactical sharpness to edge out their Indonesian opponents 21-19, 21-19 in a contest filled with momentum swings and pressure points. The tightly contested encounter lasted just under an hour, with the Indian pair displaying remarkable poise at key moments to seal the win.

The opening game saw Leo and Bagas take early leads at 8-6 and later at 14-12. However, the Indians stayed within striking distance and pounced on their chances when it mattered. Trailing 14-16, Satwik and Chirag reeled off five consecutive points to turn the tide, moving to 19-16 before closing out the first game 21-19 with confident shot-making and net control.

The second game followed a similar script. The Indonesians looked in control with a 14-10 advantage midway through, but Satwik and Chirag once again mounted a timely comeback. Drawing level at 18-all, the Indians held their nerve during the tense closing exchanges to seal the match in straight games.

With this victory, Satwik and Chirag have kept India’s hopes alive in the men’s doubles draw and will look to continue their strong run as they progress deeper into one of badminton’s most prestigious Super 1000 tournaments.

However, it was disappointment in men’s singles, as India’s HS Prannoy exited the competition following a grueling 65-minute battle against Chinese Taipei’s sixth seed, Chou Tien Chen. Despite taking the first game 21-18, Prannoy could not maintain his rhythm, eventually falling 21-18, 15-21, 8-21 in a match that saw his level dip in the decider.

Prannoy’s early exit marks the end of his China Open campaign, but Satwik and Chirag’s progression ensures Indian representation in the later stages. As the tournament intensifies, all eyes will now be on the dynamic doubles duo to carry the flag forward.