Can Satwik/Chirag Lead India at the Indonesia Open?

Jakarta, June 3 (NationPress) The top-ranked men’s doubles team from India, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, kept the nation's aspirations alive at the esteemed Indonesia Open Super 1000 with a determined first-round victory on Tuesday. Facing the local favorites, Leo Rolly Carnando and Bagas Maulana, the Indian pair demonstrated resilience, overcoming a game deficit to clinch an 18-21, 21-18, 21-14 win in 67 minutes.

This triumph serves as a crucial morale booster for the Indian squad, especially after top singles players Lakshya Sen and H.S. Prannoy faced early exits in Jakarta. Satwik and Chirag, who have been at the forefront of India’s doubles evolution over recent seasons, proved their status as formidable contenders in the tournament. After a slow beginning, they ramped up their performance in the second game and dominated the final game with powerful smashes and strategic net plays.

“We understood the challenge against an Indonesian pair on their home ground,” Chirag commented post-match. “But we adhered to our strategy and trusted our rhythm. The crowd was vibrant, but we channeled that energy to drive ourselves forward.”

In the women’s singles category, PV Sindhu contributed to India’s day of mixed outcomes with a thrilling three-game victory over her long-time rival Nozomi Okuhara. In an encounter between former world champions, Sindhu triumphed with scores of 22-20, 21-23, 21-15 after an hour and 19 minutes of intense competition.

“Winning a match like this feels incredible,” Sindhu expressed following her hard-fought success. “After a series of early exits, overcoming a tough opponent like Nozomi significantly boosts my confidence.”

Sindhu, who saved a game point in the first game and missed two match points in the second, demonstrated mental fortitude to secure the decider. This victory improved her head-to-head record against Okuhara to 11-9, positioning her for a Round-of-16 showdown with Thailand's sixth seed Pornpawee Chochuwong.

In contrast, it was a disappointing day for India in the men’s singles events. Lakshya Sen, returning from a back injury, fought valiantly but fell short against world No. 2 Shi Yu Qi. The 2021 World Championships bronze medalist took the contest to three games, ultimately losing 11-21, 22-20, 15-21 in a match lasting 65 minutes.

Sen’s performance in the second game, where he saved a match point and won the game 22-20, showcased his fighting spirit. However, Shi maintained steady control in the final game, keeping the Indian player at bay with precise movement and tactics.

Veteran player HS Prannoy also exited in the first round, succumbing 17-21, 18-21 to Indonesia's rising star Alwi Farhan in a closely contested match. This loss brought an early end to the campaign for the 2023 World Championships bronze medalist, who struggled to find his rhythm against the young local favorite.

Among the Indian women, only Sindhu advanced. Malvika Bansod was forced to retire despite leading her match after slipping and injuring her knee. Anupama Upadhyaya and Rakshitha Ramraj also exited, losing in straight games to Kim Ga Eun and Supanida Katethong, respectively.