World no.4 pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty's title drought continued in Thailand Open as well. In the final on May 17, the duo were defeated 12-21, 23-25 by Indonesian pair Leo Rolly Carnando and Daniel Marthin.
ALSO READ: 'Not fired': Hockey India breaks silence on PR Sreejesh's explosive allegations
The summit clash in Bangkok lasted for 52 minutes, half an hour less than Indian pair's semifinal clash on May 16. This was Indonesian duo's first win over the top-seeded Satwik and Chirag. This is also the first time the Indian pair has lost a final in Thailand Open. They have won the title in 2019 and 2024.
Since 2024, the title win has eluded them. Once again, they settled for a silver. Last year, they had finished runners-up at the China Masters and Hong Kong Open.
Unforced errors, Indonesian pair shock Satwik-Chirag
Chirag struggled with his serve early on in the contest. The Indonesian pair got an early 4-1 lead. The Indian pair reduced the deficit before Daniel's powerful smashes helped them get back the lead. The Indian pair got two video referrals right but they crumbled under pressure. The unforced errors led to Indonesians getting eight game points. They won the first game 21-12.
In the second game, Marthin's brutal smashes did not find a match and Indonesian pair took a 5-3 lead. But, Chirag staged India's comeback and India got a two-point lead at the interval.
When the game resumed, it turned out to be a thrilling affair. The Indonesians managed to earn two championship points. Satwik and Chirag tried to survive but Marthin sealed the game with a fifth championship point.
Notbaly, this was Marthin's first tournament in 2026. He was out injured due to a knee injury. It was also Carnando and Marthin's first tournament as a pair for two years. They did not drop a single game and outclassed the top seed to emerge victorious.