India’s men’s doubles duo M.R. Arjun and Hariharan Amsakarunan, ranked 84 in the world, produced a composed and confident performance to secure their place in the quarterfinals of the Syed Modi India International 2025.
The Indian pair defeated the Malaysian team (WR 83) in straight games, recording a 21-12, 21-18 victory that highlighted both their tactical maturity and growing chemistry on the international stage. While the opening game was a dominating display, it was the comeback in the second that truly showcased their resilience. Trailing 15-18, Arjun and Hariharan stitched together six consecutive points a run built on sharp serves, tight net play, and calm execution under pressure to seal the game 21-18 and complete yet another strong win at this Super 300 event.
A confident start to their Syed Modi campaign
The Indian duo entered the tournament as the fifth seeds and lived up to expectations right from the Round of 32. In their opening match, they brushed aside fellow Indians Ayush Makhija and Sujey Tamboli in just 29 minutes, winning 21-11, 21-13. Their rhythm, rotation, and command of mid-court exchanges were evident early, setting the tone for a deeper run in the tournament.
Their dominance continued in the Round of 16, where they faced the Malaysian pair Lau Yi Sheng and Lim Tze Jian, who had earlier impressed with a routine win over Suraj Goala and Dhruv Rawat. But Arjun and Hariharan, with their experience and superior tactical discipline, controlled the match from the first point.
The first game saw the Indians take charge with efficient front-court pressure from Hariharan, complemented by Arjun’s solid backcourt control. The Malaysians struggled to counter their pace and variations, leading to a comfortable 21-12 result.
The second game, however, brought a different challenge. Lau and Lim raised their aggression, extending rallies and forcing the Indians into deeper defensive positions. The Malaysians led 18-15 and appeared poised to push the contest into a decider.
But Arjun and Hariharan, who have increasingly built confidence as a pairing over the past season, stayed patient. They controlled the tempo, minimized errors, and began pushing the Malaysians into tight corners. A superb six-point burst flipped the game on its head as the Indians claimed the second game 21-18, finishing the match without allowing their opponents another chance.
This comeback underscored their ability to stay composed under scoreboard pressure a sign of the pair’s evolution as a competitive force on the BWF Tour.
A tough quarterfinal test awaits
Their next challenge will be significantly tougher a quarterfinal faceoff against the winners of the match between Malaysia’s Kang Khai Xing/Aaron Tai, the sixth seeds, and Denmark’s Christian Faust Kjær/Rasmus Kjær. The Malaysian pair clinched a dramatic three-game win (19-21, 21-19, 21-15) to reach their second consecutive Syed Modi quarterfinal.
If Arjun and Hariharan meet Kang and Tai, it will be a measuring stick for the Indians. The Malaysians are known for their speed and compact defense, and their mid-court intensity can be difficult to break through. For the Indian pair, maintaining strong serves, dominating early exchanges, and avoiding mid-game lapses will be crucial.
On the other hand, a matchup against the Danish pair would bring a different dynamic more power and structure-driven rallies which may suit Arjun’s backcourt strengths.
Building momentum toward bigger goals
This run at Syed Modi is vital for Arjun and Hariharan as they push for higher rankings and stronger finishes at Super 300 and Super 500 events. Their improved partnership has been evident throughout 2024–25, and a semifinal appearance here would give them a significant boost both in points and confidence.
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For now, their measured performances, disciplined play, and the impressive comeback in the Round of 16 underline that the Indian duo is steadily finding its place among the Tour’s emerging men’s doubles contenders.
With a quarterfinal spot secured, Arjun and Hariharan are not just progressing they are proving they can rise to the moment when it matters most.
