The China Masters 2025 Super 750 began on a positive note for Indian badminton as the country’s premier men’s doubles duo, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, advanced to the Round of 16 with a straight-game victory.
The world-class pairing, famously dubbed the “Brothers of Destruction”, overcame Malaysia’s Mohammad Arif Junaidi and Roy King Yap 24-22, 21-13 in a 42-minute encounter that showcased both their grit and composure. The first game was anything but straightforward for the Indians. Facing opponents ranked considerably lower, Satwik and Chirag were expected to dictate play from the outset. Instead, the Malaysians came out swinging, using quick exchanges and sharp interceptions to unsettle the Indian pair.
The game see-sawed throughout, with neither side managing to build a decisive lead. Satwik’s powerful smashes were countered effectively by Arif and Roy, while Chirag was forced to dig deep in defense during extended rallies. The Malaysians even held game points, threatening to snatch the opener and create real pressure on the Indian favorites.
However, this is where Satwik-Chirag’s experience and calm under pressure shone through. They saved crucial points and forced errors with tight net play before converting the opener 24-22. The relief was visible, and the Indians knew they had a foothold in the contest.
Turning on the Style in Game Two
The second game started on similar terms, with the Malaysians matching the Indians point for point until the mid-game interval. At 14-13, the match still seemed delicately poised. But what followed was a clinical display that underlined why Satwik and Chirag are among the top pairs in the world. From 14-13, the Indians unleashed a barrage of smashes, angled winners, and quick interceptions, rattling off seven consecutive points to close the game 21-13. The shift in gears was stark. What had been a closely contested battle suddenly turned into a procession, as the Indians sealed their place in the Round of 16.
For Satwik and Chirag, the win is more than just progress to the next round. It sets the tone for a campaign where expectations are high. The China Masters, a BWF Super 750 event, carries significant ranking points and is a key stop on the circuit as players prepare for both the World Tour Finals and the longer Olympic cycle ahead.
Given the duo’s stature as one of the world’s most consistent men’s doubles teams, an early stumble would have been costly. By overcoming initial jitters and finishing the match strongly, the Indians showed they are ready to compete deep into the tournament.
Road Ahead: R16 Clash with Chiu/Wang
Their next challenge will be against the Taiwanese pair Chiu Hsiang Chieh and Wang Chi-Lin. While the Malaysians tested them in patches, Chiu/Wang represent a different challenge altogether. Wang, in particular, is an experienced campaigner and part of the Olympic gold medal-winning pair from Tokyo 2020 (with Lee Yang). This matchup will demand even more discipline from Satwik and Chirag. Their ability to dominate at the net and maintain consistency under pressure will be crucial if they are to continue their run in Shenzhen.
Over the past two years, Satwik and Chirag have earned their reputation as the “Brothers of Destruction”, thanks to their fearless brand of badminton. Their blend of Satwik’s brute power from the backcourt and Chirag’s sharp instincts at the net has made them one of the most formidable pairs on the circuit.
Highlights of their recent journey include:
- 2023 Asian Games Gold Medal, India’s first-ever in badminton.
- Multiple Super 1000 and Super 750 titles, including the Indonesia Open.
- Breaking into the World No. 1 ranking in men’s doubles, a historic milestone for Indian badminton.
Victories like today’s are a reminder of how far they have come. A decade ago, Indian men’s doubles rarely made headlines. Now, Satwik-Chirag are global superstars, consistently challenging the very best.
The first game against Arif and Roy was a timely reminder that no match can be taken lightly. The Malaysians, while inexperienced at this level, exploited small openings to put the Indians under real pressure. But Satwik and Chirag’s ability to keep calm, trust their patterns, and pull through at 22-all shows the maturity that has become their hallmark. Such resilience will be key in later rounds when they come up against established top-10 pairs. For now, their ability to flip the switch and dominate the second game after a nervy opener speaks volumes of their confidence and adaptability.
The China Masters is part of a critical stretch of tournaments for Satwik and Chirag. With the 2025 BWF season moving toward its closing stages, every performance contributes to seeding and qualification standings for the year-end World Tour Finals. Moreover, with Los Angeles 2028 Olympics on the distant horizon, the next three years will be about maintaining consistency, avoiding injuries, and peaking at the right events. For Indian badminton fans, Satwik and Chirag remain the biggest hope in doubles, and every victory is followed with keen attention. Their presence in the later stages of tournaments not only boosts India’s profile on the circuit but also inspires the next generation of doubles players.
Satwik-Chirag’s 24-22, 21-13 win over Malaysia’s Arif-Yap may not go down as one of their most glittering triumphs, but it was an important start to their China Masters 2025 campaign. They overcame early hiccups, showed composure under pressure, and finished with a burst of dominance hallmarks of a world-class pair. As they prepare for their Round of 16 clash against Taiwan’s Chiu/Wang, the Indian duo will carry momentum, confidence, and the hunger to make another deep run in a prestigious event.
For now, the Brothers of Destruction are very much on course, and Indian badminton fans have every reason to believe more fireworks are in store this week in Shenzhen.
