Former champions Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty were a step away from their first title of the season, progressing to a second successive final with a victory over Tokyo Olympics bronze medallists Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik of Malaysia at the India Open Super 750 on Saturday.
World No. 2 Indians, who had finished runner-up at Malaysia Open Super 1000 last week, showed nerves of steel as they kept a sustained pressure on Aaron and Soh, the 2022 World champions, to eke out a 21-18 21-14 in a thrilling semifinal clash.
Satwik broke into a dance as Chirag jumped into his arms as the duo celebrated after they won 11 of the last 12 points in the second game to emerge victories.
It was only their third win against the Malaysian combination. The win ensured the home challenge was alive in the Super 750 tournament after HS Prannoy was completely outplayed by world no.