China Open 2025: Satwik-Chirag's semi-final exit end India's challenge

For the fourth time this season, Satwik-Chirag faced a defeat in the semi-final stage.

India’s campaign at the China Open 2025 ended on Saturday as Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty suffered straight games defeat in the men’s doubles semi-finals. The Malaysian pair of Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik proved too strong, defeating the Indian duo 21-13, 21-17 in a 42-minute encounter in Changzhou.

The match began with the Malaysians taking early control, dictating the pace with sharp net play and deep smashes. Satwik-Chirag struggled to find momentum as Chia and Soh raced ahead with a six-point lead midway through the first game.

The Indians committed multiple unforced errors while trying to break through the Malaysian defense, eventually losing the opening game 13-21.

In the second game, Satwik-Chirag showed more urgency, attacking the Malaysian mid-court and gaining a slender 14-13 lead at one point. But the former world champions quickly regained composure, reeling off a string of quick points. Chia and Soh’s consistency and tactical clarity once again shone through as they closed out the second game 21-17 to seal their place in the final.

This was the 14th meeting between the two pairs, with Chia and Soh now leading the head-to-head 11-3. The Indians were looking to reach their first final since their title-winning run at the Indonesia Masters earlier this year.

Despite falling short, their consistent appearances in the latter stages of major tournaments this season continue to reflect their status as one of the top pairs on the circuit.

Also Read: China Open 2025: All you need to know about prize money & points on offer

With this loss, India’s campaign at the Super 1000 event concluded, as PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen, and HS Prannoy had exited in earlier rounds. The result also means Satwik and Chirag will now shift focus to the upcoming Macau Open, where they’ll aim to end their semi-final streak and return to title-winning ways.

Chia and Soh, meanwhile, head into the final riding high on momentum. They will face Indonesia’s Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Shohibul Fikri, eyeing what would be their third BWF title of the season.

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