India Open: Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty Enters Final With Convincing Victory

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. 2 Shi Yu Qi of China 21-15 21-5 win in what turned out to be a lop-sided contest at the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall here.

Satwik and Chirag, who had won the 2022 edition, will face third seeded Koreans Kang Min Hyuk and Seo Seung Jae in the summit clash.

The match was halted at 13-13 in the second game after Chirag's return hit Aaron's eyes during a fierce rally but he seemed okay as play was resumed after some time though the Indians pair completely dominated the proceedings there after.

Earlier, Prannoy, the World No. 9 Indian, matched his rival in the initial phase but after 14-14 in the opening game, he faded into oblivion as Shi Yu Qi registered a 21-15 21-5 win in what turned out to be a lop-sided contest at the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall here.

Shi Yu Qi moved with ease across the court and played with patience and precision to outwit Prannoy, who looked