Indian duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty sailed into badminton men's doubles final at the 19th Asian Games, defeating the former world champion Malaysian duo of Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik in the semifinal, here on Friday.
Satwik and Chirag, the world no. 3 pair, registered a 21-17, 21-12 win over the Malaysians, who are the Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist, to seal the place in the final.
Thus, the Indian duo became the first men's doubles team from India to guarantee a silver medal at the Asian Games.
The current Commonwealth Games gold medalists Satwik and Chirag will compete against Choi Sol Gyu and Kim Won Ho of Korea in the championship match on Saturday.
When there was a chance, Satwik and Chirag would send down huge smashes, but they were also skilled with placement and angle.
From the first point until 10-10, the two couples battled furiously until Satwik scored a smash to take a one-point advantage into halftime.After the game resumed, the Indian team displayed superior anticipation, soon grew their advantage to 16-10, and then scored six game points.
Satwik/Chirag create HISTORY ? ?
— India_AllSports (@India_AllSports) October 6, 2023
They became 1st EVER Indian Badminton Doubles pair to enter FINAL at Asian Games.
They CRUSH their nemesis & former World Champions Aaron Chia & Soh Wooi Yik 21-17, 21-12. #AGwithIAS #IndiaAtAsianGames pic.twitter.com/TbZ55VaBS4
Prior to Aaron hitting his forehand into the net, Malaysia was able to save three game points because to an Indians' service fault and a cunning move from Soh.The Indians came out swinging, combining defense and offense deftly to jump to an 11-3 lead at the half.
Satwik displayed his excellent defense, and Chirag complemented him as the two moved back and forth with amazing synergy.
Satwik and Chirag continued to control the rallies with their foresight and interceptions, earning 10 match points after winning a net duel, which they then successfully converted on their third try.
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