Asian Games gold medallists Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty triumphed over the world champion Korean duo of Seo Seung Jae and Kang Min Hyuk in straight sets, advancing to the final of the Malaysia Open Super 1000 men's doubles. This marks their first tournament of the season.
The world's second-ranked Indian pair staged an impressive comeback in the second game, despite initially trailing. They saved six game points in a remarkable eight-point run, clinching a 21-18, 22-20 victory against their Korean rivals in a gripping semifinal match.
With this win, Satwik and Chirag are now on the brink of securing their second Super 1000 title. Their first was at the Indonesian Open in June of the previous year.
Notably, it was this same Korean team that the Indian pair had defeated in the semifinals of the Indonesian Open. Satwik and Chirag now lead with a 3-1 head-to-head record against the world no. 3 pair, Seo and Kang.
The game was characterized by quick, sharp rallies, with Satwik and Chirag demonstrating superior anticipation and execution, taking an early 9-5 lead in the first game.
A few overhit shots by the Indian duo, combined with skillful play from the Koreans, allowed them to score four consecutive points. Chirag then delivered an outstanding return, catching the Koreans off guard. This, along with another excellent net play, gave the Indians a two-point lead at the interval.
The Korean pair closed the gap to 12-13, capitalizing on some weaker returns from the Indians. However, Satwik and Chirag extended their lead to 17-13, thanks to a powerful smash by Satwik and a clever flick serve from Chirag.
Seo attempted a flick serve to gain a point but missed the mark twice, consequently giving the Indians four game points. The Indians squandered two of these opportunities before Seo hit a shot into the net.
In the second game, Seo and Kang improved their defensive play, focusing on precise placements and finding gaps more frequently. They also took control of the flat exchanges, advancing to a 9-4 lead.
The match featured some intense, fast-paced rallies, but the Korean duo maintained their lead, reaching 11-6 at the break.
While Seo had been the standout player in the first game, Kang raised his level in the second. The Koreans quickly extended their lead to 17-11, as the Indian pair appeared slightly less assertive.
Chirag made a few mistakes, and the Koreans soon found themselves with six game points, hinting at a potential third game. However, the match took an unexpected turn.
Trailing 14-20, Satwik and Chirag displayed remarkable composure, taking advantage of the overcautious Korean pair, who made several net errors.
The Indian duo regained their form at a crucial moment, stringing together eight consecutive points and leaving the Koreans behind.
Satwik and Chirag have been outstanding on the circuit in the past year, winning the Asian Games gold, titles at the Asian Championship, Indonesian Super 1000, Korea Super 500, and Swiss Open Super 300. They also made it to the finals of the China Masters Super 750 in November last year.
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