French Open: Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty make it to the finals

The duo upset the World No. 1 in the quarterfinals and now have made it to the finals.

The French Open has started as part of the 2022 HSBC BWF World Tour. It comes to us live from Paris, France and is being contested in the Stade Pierre de Coubertin. The French Open started on 25th October and will end on the 30th of this month. For the uninitiated, the World Tour is divided into five categories.

Level 1 was the said World Tour Finals, Level 2 was called Super 1000 (comprising two tournaments), and Level 3 was called Super 750 (comprising four tournaments). Additionally, there is Level 4 called Super 500 (six tournaments) and Level 5 called Super 300 (seven tournaments).  Each of these tournaments offers different ranking points and prize money.

The Game

The top-rated Indian pair of Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy clashed against the Korean duo of Choi Sol Gyu and Kim Won Ho in the semi-finals. This was right after their important win over the Japanese pair of Takuro Hoki and Yugo Kobayashi. However, unlike their last game, this wasn't as competitive.

Both Shetty and Rankireddy looked miles ahead in terms of the quality compared to their adversaries on the court. Choi and Kim did not surrender yet it was quite understandable where the game was going. Even the commentators felt the same. The Indians totally controlled the game with a solid grip.

Straight set win

Chirag and Satwik established their lead and held onto it throughout the game. Their cross-court play and defence are one of the key elements in the game. Add to that their powerful forehand smash. The tall duo really utilized their height to the fullest, Ironically they won both sets courtesy of their smash. The match finished 21-18 and 21-14 giving India a straight-set victory.

The victory meant India's hopes at the BWF Super 750 tournament are very much alive. As the match reached its conclusion the Indian duo basked in the adulation of the crowd. Satwik even broke into a dance a few steps to celebrate the occasion. Now it will be interesting to see if they can keep this flair in the finals as well.