India’s top men’s doubles duo, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, delivered one of their most composed performances of the season, defeating World No.1 Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin of Malaysia in straight games — 21-17, 21-15 — to book their place in the semi-finals of the Singapore Open 2025 Super 750.
In a contest that lasted just under 40 minutes, the former World No.1 Indian pair controlled the tempo, absorbed pressure, and executed their signature attacking play with precision. Having previously lost to the Malaysians at the India Open earlier this year, this victory not only avenged that defeat but also reinforced Satwik-Chirag’s ability to rise to the occasion against the best in the world.
A Composed Performance
Right from the opening game, the Indians looked settled. Satwik’s powerful rear-court play combined with Chirag’s sharp interceptions at the net helped them open up an early lead. Though Goh and Izzuddin closed the gap midway, the Indians remained steady, pulling away in the final stretch to take the first game 21-17.
The second game followed a similar pattern. The Malaysian duo pushed hard at the start, looking to turn the tide, but Satwik-Chirag’s tactical discipline kept them in control. Clean smashes, quick exchanges, and decisive kills at the net saw them close the game 21-15, ensuring there were no late surprises.
Season So Far: Building Back Momentum
This result is particularly significant considering the Indian pair has had an up-and-down season since the Paris 2024 Olympics, where they had a disappointing early exit. Injury concerns — particularly a back issue for Chirag that forced them to retire midway through the All England Open — have hampered their rhythm. However, even without being at their peak, they have consistently reached the late stages of tournaments.
In 2025, their performances include:
- Malaysia Open – Semi-finals
- India Open – Semi-finals
- Indonesia Masters – Round of 16
- Singapore Open – Semi-finals
The sheer consistency in reaching the last four stages — even in a format as unpredictable as men’s doubles — highlights their elite level of play and mental strength.
Beating the Best
Today’s victory was more than just a win; it was a reminder of the level Satwik-Chirag can reach when operating in sync. Goh and Izzuddin, currently at the top of the world rankings, came into the match as slight favourites. However, the Indian pair looked in control for most of the encounter.
Satwik’s power game from the backcourt — particularly his steep smashes and flat drives — pinned the Malaysians deep, allowing Chirag to press forward and dictate the exchanges at the net. Their understanding, built over several years of partnership, was evident in the way they rotated positions and covered for each other during intense rallies.
Key Takeaways
- Tactical Discipline: India’s pair managed the pace of the game well, not allowing the Malaysians to find momentum.
- Controlled Aggression: They attacked with purpose, picking their moments rather than rushing into high-risk shots.
- Mental Composure: Against the top-ranked pair in the world, Satwik-Chirag maintained their composure even during short patches of pressure.
Their ability to balance aggression with patience is a quality that sets them apart, and it was on full display today.
Satwik-Chirag will face either Lee Yang/Wang Chi-Lin of Chinese Taipei or Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto of Indonesia in the semi-finals — both formidable opponents with strong international pedigree. A win in the next round would see them reach their first final since last season and place them in prime position for a potential title push.
A Word of Caution
Despite the joy of today’s result, concerns remain around Chirag’s fitness. Observers noted some signs of discomfort in his movement. Given the back injury that disrupted their All England campaign in March, the Indian team management will be monitoring him closely. With the Olympic qualification calendar in full swing and the race for ranking points heating up, preserving fitness is now as important as results.
India’s most successful men’s doubles pair continue to carry the weight of expectation and the hope of a nation on their shoulders. Matches like today show that when fit and focused, Satwik-Chirag are not just medal contenders — they’re title favourites.
As they move into the semi-finals in Singapore, Indian badminton fans will hope for two things: more of this level of performance, and a fully fit Chirag in the months ahead.
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