India’s top men’s doubles pair, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, opened their China Open Super 1000 campaign in trademark style ruthless, clinical, and supremely confident.
Facing Japan’s Kenya Mitsuhashi and Hiroki Okamura in the Round of 32, the world no. 3 Indian duo took just 31 minutes to seal a dominant 21-13, 21-9 victory and march into the pre-quarterfinals.
For Satwik and Chirag, also known fondly as the “brothers of destruction” among fans, it was the kind of statement win that sets the tone in a high-stakes Super 1000 tournament. The China Open, part of badminton’s prestigious BWF World Tour, often sees the strongest fields and for the Indians, crossing the first-round hurdle comfortably is as much about building momentum as it is about asserting their presence.
The match itself showcased everything that has made Satwik and Chirag one of the most feared pairs on the circuit. From the very first rally, the Indians imposed their pace: sharp flat drives, booming smashes from Satwik at the back, and Chirag’s quick interceptions and net kills.
The Japanese duo, ranked world no. 33, struggled to keep up, often forced on the defensive by the Indians’ aggressive style and clever rotation of positions.
In the first game, Satwik and Chirag opened up an early lead and never really let it slip. Their ability to mix soft touches with explosive attacking play meant that Mitsuhashi and Okamura had little room to dictate the rallies. The Indians closed out the opener 21-13, looking firmly in control.
But it was the second game that truly reflected the gap between the two pairs. Satwik and Chirag shifted to an even higher gear, racing to an 11-4 lead at the mid-game interval. From there, they barely gave their opponents a chance, closing out the match 21-9 in a mere 31 minutes. It was not just a win it was a show of force that sent a message to the rest of the draw: the Indians are here to challenge for the title.
The win carries extra significance, coming at the Super 1000 level tournaments that offer the highest ranking points and feature the deepest fields. For Satwik and Chirag, who won the Indonesia Open Super 1000 in 2023 and have since established themselves among the world’s elite, it is another chance to test themselves against the best, refine their rhythm, and build confidence as the Olympic cycle approaches.
Their performance in this opener reflected the maturity they have developed over the past few seasons. Gone are the days when early-round nerves or unexpected lapses would trouble them; today, they enter these matches knowing their strength lies in relentless pressure, quick transitions, and fearlessness in attack.
Against the Japanese, every smash from Satwik was backed by Chirag’s anticipation at the net, and every defensive block quickly turned into offense — a formula that has brought them so many big wins.
Beyond the technical details, what makes Satwik and Chirag’s journey even more compelling is how they have carried Indian men’s doubles to historic heights. From winning India’s first-ever Thomas Cup in 2022 to triumphs at the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games, and consistent performances on the BWF World Tour, they have transformed India from a singles-focused badminton nation into one with serious doubles pedigree.
Their draw at the China Open 2025 remains challenging, with strong pairs waiting in the next rounds, but this dominant win is an ideal start. A Round of 16 clash awaits, where they will look to keep their “domination mode” activated and continue the charge towards the business end of the tournament.
Meanwhile, on the women’s doubles side, the Panda sisters Rutaparna and Swetaparna faced a tough challenge against the Hong Kong pair of Yeung Nga Ting and Yeung Pui Lam in their Round of 32 match. Despite their efforts, the Indians went down 12-21, 13-21, ending their campaign. For the Panda sisters, still finding their footing on the biggest stages, every match is valuable experience against higher-ranked opponents.
But the headline of the day firmly belongs to Satwik and Chirag. Their 21-13, 21-9 masterclass was not just about the scoreline; it was a reminder of why they are considered medal contenders in every tournament they enter. Their chemistry on court, the energy they bring, and the sheer joy of watching them attack as a unit make them fan favourites not just in India but around the badminton world.
As the China Open Super 1000 progresses, expectations will rise. But if today’s match was any indication, Satwik and Chirag are ready relentless, ruthless, and hungry for more. 🇮🇳🔥🏸
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