Indian duo continue stunning comeback, march into semifinals of Super 750 tournament
Singapore | May 30, 2025 – In a scintillating display of skill, strategy, and supreme confidence, India’s premier men’s doubles badminton duo Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty overpowered the top-ranked Malaysian pair Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin in straight games to storm into the semifinals of the Singapore Open 2025 Super 750 tournament. The scoreline – 21-17, 21-15 – reflects not just their control over the match, but also their resurgence as one of the most formidable pairs on the world stage.
The Indian pair, affectionately known as SatChi, completed the victory in just 39 minutes, putting on a masterclass of aggressive net play, powerful smashes, and remarkable coordination that left the Malaysian top seeds scrambling for answers.
The Road to the Quarters: Comeback in Full Swing
This win is particularly sweet for Satwik and Chirag, who are making a return to top-level badminton after a brief hiatus due to injuries. Their previous match on Thursday saw them dig deep in a physically demanding three-game thriller against the seventh-seeded Indonesian pair Sabar Karyaman Gutama and Moh Reza Pahlevi Isfahani, a match that lasted a punishing 74 minutes. The Indians came from a game down to win 19-21, 21-16, 21-19, displaying grit and resilience.
The quarterfinal against Goh and Izzuddin, however, was a different story altogether. While the Malaysians came in riding the momentum of their recent rise to the No.1 spot in the BWF men’s doubles rankings, it was Satwik-Chirag who looked sharper, more confident, and tactically superior throughout the encounter.
Dominating the World No.1s
This was the ninth career meeting between the two pairs, with the Indians having won six of the previous eight encounters. But Goh and Izzuddin had beaten Satwik-Chirag in straight games earlier this year at the India Open, a defeat that was fresh in memory. That added extra motivation for the Indians, and they made it count on the court.
From the outset, Satwik and Chirag imposed themselves at the net and controlled the pace of rallies. Chirag’s deft touches and anticipation complemented Satwik’s thunderous smashes and court coverage. The Indians took the first game 21-17, maintaining a lead for most of the game and keeping the Malaysians under constant pressure.
The second game saw an even more dominant performance. The Indian pair surged ahead early and built a commanding lead, never allowing their opponents a chance to recover. Their serves were sharp, returns aggressive, and placements impeccable as they sealed the match with a 21-15 win.
A Statement Performance
“We knew this was going to be tough. They’re the world No.1s now and beat us last time. But we worked hard, stayed patient, and stuck to our gameplan. This win means a lot after everything we’ve been through the past few months,” said Chirag Shetty after the match.
For Indian badminton, this victory is a bright spark. With PV Sindhu and HS Prannoy bowing out in the earlier rounds, Satwik and Chirag are now the last Indian players standing in the tournament, carrying the hopes of a nation.
Their win also secures them a spot in what will be their third BWF World Tour semifinal this year, having previously made deep runs at the Malaysia Open and India Open. Despite slipping to world No.27 due to their recent injury-induced absence from the circuit, performances like this one prove that they are still among the elite.
The Road Ahead
The path to the title, however, is far from easy. The semifinals will see Satwik-Chirag take on yet another formidable pair. With their momentum building and confidence high, the Indian duo will be eager to continue their run and clinch their first Super 750 title of the season.
Their performance at the Singapore Open is not only a testament to their tenacity and skill but also sends a clear message to their global competitors: SatChi are back, and they mean business.
As Indian badminton looks to rebuild its standing on the world stage, especially in the doubles category, Rankireddy and Shetty’s revival couldn’t have come at a better time. Their explosive style, unwavering belief, and passion for the game make them fan favorites and genuine medal contenders as the 2025 season heads into its crucial stretch.
Match Summary:
- Match: Men’s Doubles Quarterfinal – Singapore Open 2025
- Result: Satwiksairaj Rankireddy / Chirag Shetty (India) def. Goh Sze Fei / Nur Izzuddin (Malaysia)
- Score: 21-17, 21-15
- Duration: 39 minutes
- Tournament Level: BWF World Tour Super 750
- Venue: Singapore Indoor Stadium
With this victory, the Indian pair has not only avenged their earlier loss to the Malaysians but also reasserted themselves as one of the most exciting and dangerous duos in men’s doubles globally.
As they prepare for the semifinal showdown, one thing is certain — Satwik and Chirag are once again playing with the fire and finesse that brought them global acclaim. Their Singapore Open journey continues, and Indian badminton fans couldn’t be prouder.
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