Korea Open 2023: Satwik-Chirag beat WR-2 Chinese pair to make maiden final

This is also the Indian men's double pair's third final in the World Tour this year.

India's Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty sailed into the final of Korea Open 2023 by defeating WR-2 Chinese pair Wang Chang/Liang Wei Keng in straight games (21-15, 24-22). This is Indian pair's first win over the Chinese, after having lost twice in their previous two meetings.

Also, the WR-3 Indian pair have won all their matches in straight games en route to final of Korea Open 2023, showing complete dominance.

Like the previous encounter, the semi-finals match started on a bright note for Satwik-Chirag, who claimed the opening game quite easily. The following set had too many twists and turns. The opening few minutes saw both pairs scoring points alternatively, which continued till 6-6.

The game turned in the Indians' favour at the mid-game interval with them claiming a three-point lead (11-8) by scoring five straight points before the break.

The Chinese pair, unlike the opening game, made a good comeback from behind at 9-14 to level the scoreline at 18-18. They held onto save three match points, but the Indians in the end latched on to the fourth match point opportunity to win the match in straight games.

Post the Sudirman Cup, Satwik and Chirag have won nine matches on trot - including the title win at the BWF 1000 Indonesia Open. This will also be Indian pair's third final appearance in a BWF 500 tournament having previously won the Thailand Open in 2019 and India Open last year.

Up next, Satwik and Chirag are set to face either of Indonesia's Fajar Alfian/Rian Ardianto or South Korea's Kang Min Hyuk/Seo Seung Jae in the final tomorrow.

India's performance on day 5 of Korea Open 2023

Men's Doubles (Semi-finals)

Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty beat Wang Chang/Liang Wei Keng (21-15, 24-22)