India’s premier men’s doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty continued their confident march at the China Masters Super 750 on Thursday, booking their spot in the quarterfinals with a dominant 21-13, 21-12 win over the Taiwanese duo of Wang Chi-lin and Chiu Hsiang-chieh.
The world No. 3 Indian pair, popularly known as SatChi, needed just 36 minutes to wrap up the contest. Their attacking play, trademark power, and superior control at the net left their opponents with little chance to recover. For the Indians, this was not just a passage into the last eight but also a statement of intent as they aim for a deep run in Shenzhen.
This was the second time in consecutive weeks that Satwik and Chirag faced Wang and Chiu. In their previous meeting, the Indians had prevailed comfortably, and Thursday’s encounter was no different. The presence of Wang Chi-lin – a two-time Olympic champion in Tokyo alongside Lee Yang – meant the Taiwanese side carried pedigree. Yet, SatChi ensured there were no jitters, approaching the match with the composure of seasoned campaigners.
From the opening exchanges, Satwik’s explosive smashes and Chirag’s sharp interceptions set the tone. They raced ahead in the first game, mixing up their placements and denying the Taiwanese pair any sustained rhythm. The Indians closed the opener 21-13 with authority, looking in complete command.
Business-like execution in the second game
If the first game was about establishing dominance, the second was about finishing the job with precision. Chiu and Wang tried to alter their strategy, aiming to slow the tempo and extend rallies. But SatChi’s attacking versatility left them chasing shadows.
At 10-10, the match still seemed open. But as they have done so often in the past, the Indians shifted gears post-interval. From there, they won 11 of the next 13 points, sealing the second game 21-12. The final rally summed up the match: Chirag’s sharp reflex at the net set up Satwik for a thunderous smash that crashed past Wang, ending the contest in style.
What stood out in this performance was not just the aggression but the control. Satwik and Chirag never looked rushed, choosing their moments to unleash their big shots while maintaining steady pressure with clever variations. Their communication and anticipation honed through years of playing together ensured they were always one step ahead of their opponents.
Coach Mathias Boe’s influence was also evident, with the Indians showing greater patience in rallies and resisting the temptation to over-attack. It was a clinical, business-like outing that underlined their status as one of the world’s most formidable doubles pairs.
Quarterfinal test: Ren and Xie await
Next up for SatChi is a quarterfinal clash against the new Chinese pairing of Ren Xiangyu and Xie Hao Nan. The duo, despite being relatively fresh as a combination, have made waves in recent weeks. Earlier on Thursday, they pulled off a surprise by knocking out Denmark’s experienced pair Kim Astrup and Anders Rasmussen. For the Indians, this contest presents both opportunity and challenge. Ren and Xie bring the unpredictability of a new partnership less data, more surprises. But SatChi’s recent form and ability to adjust mid-match make them favourites to progress.
This victory also marks Satwik and Chirag’s return to the China Masters quarterfinals, reaffirming their consistency at the highest level. The pair has been India’s most reliable force in men’s doubles, consistently breaking barriers and proving that Indian badminton’s depth is no longer confined to singles. With year-end World Tour Finals slots at stake, every win carries weight. The Indians’ ability to dispatch opponents with minimal fuss bodes well as they head into the business end of the season.
Bigger battles ahead
As SatChi march into the last eight, the focus now shifts to whether they can sustain this form against stronger opposition. The potential semifinal and final rounds could pit them against world-class pairs, including the likes of Liang/Wang or Aaron Chia/Soh Wooi Yik. For now, however, the Indian duo have sent a clear message: they are here not just to participate, but to dominate. Performances like this composed, ruthless, and efficient are what make them medal favourites at every tournament they enter.
Satwik-Chirag’s 21-13, 21-12 victory over Wang Chi-lin and Chiu Hsiang-chieh was as clinical as it gets. In just over half an hour, they showcased the mix of power and finesse that has made them a world-class pair. As they prepare for their quarterfinal clash with Ren and Xie, the signs point to a duo in peak touch, ready to take on all comers at the China Masters Super 750.
Final Score:
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty (IND) def. Wang Chi-lin/Chiu Hsiang-chieh (TPE) 21-13, 21-12
