Indian badminton stars Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty faced a tough defeat against their long-standing rivals Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik of Malaysia in the China Open Super 1000 semifinals.
A Rivalry Reignited
The badminton world watched as Satwik-Chirag squared off against Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik once again. This rivalry dates back to 2017, with the Malaysian duo initially dominating. They had an impressive 8-0 record against the Indians.
However, Satwik-Chirag found a breakthrough between 2023 and early 2024, securing three consecutive wins. It seemed they had finally cracked the code against their nemeses. But the tide has turned once more.
China Open Heartbreak
In a 42-minute battle at the Changzhou Sports Center Gymnasium, the Indian pair fell 13-21, 17-21. This marks their third straight loss to the world No. 2 Malaysian duo, bringing back memories of their painful defeat at last year’s Paris Olympics.
While the Indian pair is still recovering from various off-court niggles and not at 100%, the manner of this defeat is concerning. Unlike previous close encounters, where games were lost by fine margins, Chia-Soh largely outplayed them in Changzhou.
Chirag Shetty admitted they “were not playing the right game” and “should have played a little more tactically.” He noted that they were “too late to realise the mistakes,” which can be costly in fast-paced men’s doubles.
The Malaysian Resurgence
The Malaysian men’s doubles scene has seen a boost with the arrival of new national coach Herry IP, known as the ‘Fire Dragon’. His impact on Chia-Soh has been immediate and significant.
The former world champions have already clinched three titles this year, including the challenging Badminton Asia Championships. Herry IP has instilled a new level of relentlessness in their game.
Chia-Soh’s flat attacking style, always a strength, now comes with unwavering commitment. They no longer resort to defensive lifts under pressure, forcing opponents to break them down. Their defence, particularly from Chia, was exceptional, extending rallies and forcing errors from the Indians.
What’s Next for Satwik-Chirag?
This loss isn’t a red flag yet, but it highlights the need for Satwik-Chirag to find more consistent solutions against the Malaysians’ flat game. Many Malaysian pairs are now excelling in this style.
Satwik recently hinted at working on a spin serve, which could be a crucial variation to disrupt their opponents. While their Plan A is brilliant, adding new dimensions could be the key to regaining their edge.
Beyond the Doubles Court
The China Open also saw another significant development: the withdrawal of reigning Olympic and World Champion An Se Young. The Korean star, who had her sights set on a Calendar Slam by winning all Super 1000s, was forced to retire due to a knee injury.
Her exit meant that four out of the five finals at the China Open were all-Chinese affairs. The only exception was the men’s doubles, where Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik will face Indonesia’s Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Shohibul Fikri in the final.
- Satwik-Chirag lost to Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik for the third consecutive time.
- The Malaysian pair’s resurgence is attributed to new coach Herry IP and their relentless flat attacking game.
- Satwik-Chirag acknowledged tactical errors and are still recovering from niggles.
- The Indian duo may need to introduce more variations, like a spin serve, to counter their rivals.
- An Se Young’s injury ended her Super Slam dream at the tournament.
This tournament provides valuable lessons for Satwik-Chirag as they look to fine-tune their strategies and regain peak form for upcoming challenges on the world stage.
