Hong Kong Open: Satwik-Chirag storm into their first final of the season

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New Delhi: India’s star men’s doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty finally broke their semifinal jinx in 2025 as they marched into the Hong Kong Open Super 500 final with a straight-game win on Saturday. The world No. 9 pair beat Chinese Taipei’s Bing-Wei Lin and Chen Cheng Kuan 21-17, 21-15, sealing their first final of the year after enduring six semifinal exits.

For the eighth-seeded Indians, it was more than just another victory as it was a breakthrough moment that ended months of frustration and put them back where they belong fighting for titles on the big stage. They will now face the winners of the other semifinal between China’s Liang Wei Keng/Wang Chang and the Taipei pair of Fang-Chih Lee/Fang-Jen Lee.

This final carries special weight for Satwik and Chirag after a turbulent stretch. Last year, the pair narrowly missed an Olympic medal in Paris, bowing out in a heartbreaking clash against Malaysia’s Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik. They managed to salvage pride with a bronze at the World Championships, becoming only the third Indian pair after Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu to win multiple medals at the event.

But this year has tested them like no other season. Satwik faced repeated setbacks first with back and elbow injuries then a personal tragedy when his father passed away in February. Just as he returned to training, he was struck by chickenpox, forcing him back on the sidelines.

Chirag, too, had his struggles as he battled a recurring back injury that disrupted their rhythm and kept them from finding consistency. Together, the duo kept grinding, even as results failed to reflect their hard work.

Resilience rewarded

Saturday’s victory was in many ways a statement win. It wasn’t just about a final berth but about showing they still have the hunger and resilience that once made them pioneers for Indian doubles. The Indians dictated the pace against Lin and Kuan combining power and precision to ensure there were no late twists.

The straight-game win was a reminder of what the pair can do when fully fit and focused. With one more match to play, the chance to end their drought with a trophy now lies within reach. Whatever happens in Sunday’s final one thing is certain that Satwik and Chirag have already reminded the badminton world why they remain one of India’s brightest hopes in doubles.