Thailand Open: Satwik and Chirag win men's doubles title
What's the story
India's Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty etched their name in the record books after sealing the men's doubles title of the Thailand Open World Tour 500. The two players overcame reigning world champions Li Jun Hui and Liu Yu Chen of China in a thrilling 21-19, 18-21, 21-18 contest. This was their third major win of the tournament. Here is the match report.
Twitter Post
Unstoppable force!
History created!
— BAI Media (@BAI_Media) August 4, 2019
UNSTOPPABLE @satwiksairaj @Shettychirag04 🇮🇳
They have etched their names in history!They win the biggest title of their career, beating the reigning world champions Li Liu! 👏
What a performance! What efforts!
P.C: @BadmintonTalk#ThailandOpen #IndiaOnTheRise pic.twitter.com/grQ4bBlksG
History
World Tour 500: First men's doubles title for India
This is the first men's doubles title for India at the World Tour 500 level. The feat will see Satwiksairaj and Chirag enter the top 10 in the BWF world rankings. It was a perfect week for the two shuttlers. It was a first doubles final appearance for the world number 16 team. To beat the second-ranked team is quite a special achievement.
Comments
Chirag and Satwik open up on the tremendous feat
"Well, not really. It was just our first major final. Just that our opponents are the world champions and regularly feature in finals. Once we entered the court we were focused on the match and didn't feel any pressure," said Chirag. "I'm speechless. Chirag has been so supportive. The fans have supported us from the first day. Thank you to them," said Satwiksairaj.
Focus
Chirag and Satwik keep their focus throughout
The Indian pair was right on the money from the beginning. In the first game, things were tied 14-14 at one stage, before the young Indian pair kept their nerve. The second game was going well at 18-18, but the Chinese pair sealed the last three points. The third game was extremely close as well. Youngsters Chirag and Satwiksairaj kept their focus throughout.
Thailand Open
A fantastic moment for Satwik and Chirag
One can say this is just the start for these two youngsters in the badminton circuit. They showed a lot of composure and were strong mentally. Earlier in the semis, the two beat 2014 World Champions Jyun Sung Ko and Cheol Baek Shin. And now this mega finale win is the biggest moment for them. They stunned one and all to emerge triumphant.