Shenzhen, Nov 26: Star Indian shuttlers Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty fought valiantly before going down to the Chinese duo of Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang in an exciting men’s doubles final of the China Masters Super 750 tournament here on Sunday.
Satwik and Chirag, the Asian Games champions, lost 19-21, 21-18, 19-21 to the world no. 1 Chinese pair after a one-hour, 11-minute battle, their first defeat in six finals this season.
The Indian pair gave ample display of their grit as they saved six championship points from 13-20 to 19-20 after recovering from 1-8 down in the decider, but Liang and Wang found their bearing just in time to win the first men’s doubles China Masters title for the hosts in eight years.
With this victory, Liang and Wang avenged their Asian Games loss to the Indians.
Satwik and Chirag have won the Badminton Asian Championships, Indonesia Super 1000, Korea Super 500, Swiss Super 300 and the Asian Games gold medal in a stellar year.
Rectify few mistakes
ahead of 2024 Olympics
Looking forward to a crucial 2024 with the Paris Olympics lined up, Satwik said it’s about managing workload and rectifying a few mistakes.
“Yeah, I mean, it’s a fantastic year for us. Whatever we thought we wanted to do well, we already did. We achieved those goals. When we started in 2023, we wanted to win medal in Asian Games,” Satwik said.
“We wanted to be in the top 2, top 3. We are really happy the way we played and we are going into the main year for us, for everyone.
“In 2024, we want to rectify a few mistakes, take care of our bodies, how to manage workload. There are not many tournaments and we have to play very smart. Be very smart on court too.
“So, it’s about going back, rest and then, get back. 2023 has been amazing. And I want to do well in 2024 as well,” he signed off. (PTI)
