Did Satwik-Chirag Make a Statement with Their Victory Over Liang/Wang at World Tour Finals?
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Synopsis
In an electrifying start to the BWF World Tour Finals 2025, India's Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty showcased resilience with a comeback win against China's Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang. Can they maintain this momentum as they seek a semifinal berth?
Key Takeaways
- Satwik and Chirag's victory boosts their confidence in the tournament.
- The match showcased their resilience and tactical gameplay.
- They are positioned in a competitive Group B.
- Their upcoming match against Alfian and Fikri will be crucial for semifinal qualification.
- Indian badminton is gaining international recognition.
Hangzhou, Dec 17 (NationPress) India’s premier men’s doubles team, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, kicked off their BWF World Tour Finals 2025 journey with an impressive comeback victory against China’s Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Gymnasium on Wednesday.
Facing a duo that had triumphed in four of their last five encounters, the World No. 3 Indian pair showcased remarkable resilience and tact to win 12-21, 22-20, 21-14 in a gripping match that lasted just over an hour. This victory provides a significant boost for Satwik and Chirag in the highly competitive Group B, which also includes Malaysia’s Aaron Chia/Soh Wooi Yik and Indonesia’s Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Shohibul Fikri.
Satwik and Chirag started strong but lost their way in the first game as the Chinese pair seized control to win 21-12. Responding effectively, the Indians steadied themselves in the second game, managing to secure it 22-20 despite trailing initially. Carrying this momentum into the final game, Satwik and Chirag asserted their dominance, pulling ahead after a tight start to clinch the match 21-14.
The Indian duo will face Alfian and Fikri next on Thursday, aiming to secure their spot in the semifinals of this season-ending event. Alfian and Fikri began their campaign with a loss to Malaysia’s Aaron Chia/Soh Wooi Yik 24-22, 19-21, 19-21 on Wednesday.
Group A features the top-seeded pair Kim Won Ho/Seo Seung Jae from Korea, Wei Chong Man/Wun Tee Kai from Malaysia, Sabai Karyaman Gutama and Moh Reza Pahlevi Isfahani from Indonesia, alongside Chiu Hsiang-Chieh/Wang Chi-Lin of Chinese Taipei.
In other matches on Wednesday, Women’s World No.1 An Se Young of South Korea defeated Indonesia's Putri Kusuma Wardani, with the top seed fighting hard to win 21-16, 8-21, 21-8.
Point of View
I am proud to see our athletes excel on such a prestigious global stage. The remarkable comeback by Satwik and Chirag not only reflects their dedication but also brings hope and excitement to Indian badminton. Their victory is a testament to the hard work put in by our athletes, and we stand firmly behind them as they pursue further success.
NationPress
19/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty?
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty are India's top men's doubles badminton players, currently ranked World No. 3.
What was the result of the match against Liang/Wang?
Satwik and Chirag won the match against China's Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang with scores of 12-21, 22-20, 21-14.
What is the significance of the World Tour Finals?
The BWF World Tour Finals is one of the most prestigious badminton tournaments, featuring the top players from around the world.
Who will Satwik and Chirag face next?
They will next compete against Indonesia's Alfian and Fikri.
What is Group B in the World Tour Finals?
Group B includes India's Satwik and Chirag, Malaysia's Aaron Chia/Soh Wooi Yik, and Indonesia's Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Shohibul Fikri.
