New Delhi: Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty produced a remarkable comeback to defeat China’s He Ji Ting and Ren Xiang Yu and clinch the China Masters Super 750 men’s doubles title on Sunday.
The world No. 5 Indian pair overcame a slow start to win 11-21, 21-13, 21-17 in a gripping one hour and 10 minute final. It was their third appearance in the China Masters final, having finished runners up in 2023 and 2025.
The victory gave Satwik and Chirag their second title of the season after their Singapore Open Super 750 triumph. They had also reached the final of the Thailand Open Super 500 earlier in the year.
The Chinese combination started strongly and immediately put the Indians under pressure. He and Ren raced to a 5-0 lead with quick exchanges and powerful attacking strokes. He Ji Ting’s steep smashes repeatedly troubled the Indian defence as the hosts opened up a 14-7 advantage before comfortably taking the first game 21-11.
Satwik and Chirag responded brilliantly in the second game by changing their approach. They tightened their defence, extended rallies and used varied serves to disrupt the Chinese pair’s rhythm. After a closely contested start, the Indians took control at 7-6 and gradually increased their advantage.
A crucial 45-shot rally went in India’s favour as Satwik and Chirag moved 12-8 ahead. Their improved defensive discipline helped them maintain the pressure, and they eventually levelled the match by taking the second game 21-13.
The decider began with another strong start from the Chinese pair, who moved 7-3 ahead. The Indians fought back to make it 7-7 and stayed within touching distance through a series of intense flat exchanges.
With the score tied at 16-16, Satwik and Chirag found the decisive surge. They moved ahead 18-17 before a fortunate net cord presented three match points. Chirag then finished the contest with a powerful smash to seal another major title for India.
The triumph comes at an important time for the pair as they prepare to defend their Asian Games gold medal in Japan from September 19.
