China Masters 2023 Highlights: Satwik-Chirag finishes as runners-up, Kodai Naraoka wins men's singles title

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India’s top-ranked doubles pair, Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, once again demonstrated their prowess at the BWF China Masters 2023. They secured a place in the final by defeating China’s He Ji Ting and Ren Xiang Yu in a thrilling semi-final match. The Indian pair, currently ranked fifth in the BWF rankings, dominated the game and pulled off a 21-15, 22-20 victory, putting them on the cusp of clinching a fourth BWF title this season.

Their impressive journey this year includes victories at the Swiss Open, Indonesia Open, and Korea Open. Moreover, they made history by securing India’s first-ever gold medal in badminton at the Asian Games in Hangzhou and triumphed at the Badminton Asia Championships.

In the semi-finals, Shetty and Rankireddy seized control early, securing an 11-6 lead at the mid-game interval. Despite a resurgence from He Ji Ting/Ren Xiang Yu, who narrowed the gap to 12-10, the Indian duo remained composed, rallying to win six consecutive points, claiming the first game and a 1-0 lead.

The Chinese pair took a 10-6 lead in the second game, but Satwik-Chirag fought back resiliently, leveling the score at 13-13 and edging closer at 19-17. Holding firm against a late push from their opponents, the Indian duo secured victory on their second match point, securing their spot in the final.

The Indian duo will face another Chinese pair and current World No. 1 Liang Wei Keng/Wang Chang, in the final. It promises to be a thrilling encounter as Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy have not lost a single final this year.

They have delivered jaw-dropping defense in the match, which shows big promise as we move ahead in the Paris Olympics cycle.

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