Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty beat Chen Bo Yang and Liu Yi of China 21-15, 21-15.
That’s it for The Field’s coverage of the 2024 Thailand Open Super 500
It was probably the most that Satwik and Chirag have been pushed throughout the entire tournament. Despite the contest lasting only 46 minutes, the Indians had to pull out some special moves in order to stay ahead of the Chinese pair. However, the experience that comes with being the world No 3 ranked duo emerged as Satwik and Chirag kept the rallies short most of the time. This title win in straight games also meant that the Indians didn’t drop a single game throughout their run to the title – an impressive feat indeed.
As Chirag said to the broadcasters after the match, Bangkok is an incredibly special place for the duo. It was where they won their first-ever Super Series title in 2019 and where they helped India win a historic Thomas Cup title in 2022.
While the Paris Olympics are a couple of months away and their opponents there are significantly more experienced than who they faced in Bangkok, this title win is sure to inject immense confidence in the lead-up to the marquee event.
Chirag Shetty: Thailand Open has been a special tournament for us as we won our first Super 500 crown here and have won many more tournaments thereafter. We are hoping that this victory will start another winning run for us.
Men's doubles final – Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty 21-15, 21-15 Chen Bo Yang and Liu Yi: Wonderful defense from Chen against Satwik’s smashes, but the Indian gets the matchpoint in the end and celebrates with a cheeky air fist bump. Then a cautious rally from both sides, but Chirag gets the winner in the end and yells in celebration!
Satwik and Chirag clinch their second Thailand Open title after 2019 and their second title in the 2024 season!
Chirag throws his jersey into the crowd and a lucky fan celebrates while Satwik bursts into his customary celebratory dance as the Bangkok crowd give them a rousing cheer for their efforts.
Men's doubles final – Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty 21-15, 17-15 Chen Bo Yang and Liu Yi: The Chinese win a few points in a row, but a brilliant rally that sees both Satwik and Chirag employ the smash to win the point works in their favour.
Men's doubles final – Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty 21-15, 15-11 Chen Bo Yang and Liu Yi: Satwik seems to be struggling in trying to deal with the sweat and that is delaying him between points. The umpires have been giving him a warning, but so far nothing threatening.
Men's doubles final – Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty 21-15, 12-9 Chen Bo Yang and Liu Yi: Three straight points won by Chen and Liu after the interval, but a quick winner from Chirag gets them the serve again.
Men's doubles final – Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty 21-15, 11-6 Chen Bo Yang and Liu Yi: The characteristic quick gameplay that comes with Satwik and Chirag forces the Chinese duo to hit the return into the net and the Indians lead 11-6 going into the break.
Men's doubles final – Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty 21-15, 9-5 Chen Bo Yang and Liu Yi: Compared to the first game, the Indians seem to be running away with this in the second game.
Men's doubles final – Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty 21-15, 5-3 Chen Bo Yang and Liu Yi: A service error from Chen and Liu gives the serve back to the Indians in the second game.
Men's doubles final – Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty 21-15 Chen Bo Yang and Liu Yi: First, a lucky return that JUST stays inside the line from Satwik to go to matchpoint and then the softest of serves that rolls over the net, but is safe. Satwik-Chirag take the opening game 21-15 in 20 minutes.
The Chinese pair kept pace with the higher-ranked Indians, but ultimately quick points allowed for Satwik-Chirag to close out the opening game.
Men's doubles final – Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty 17-14 Chen Bo Yang and Liu Yi: What a lovely delicate touch from Satwik to get that winner right over the net there!
Men's doubles final – Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty 11-10 Chen Bo Yang and Liu Yi: The Chinese pair giving a good fight to the top seeds so far, but the Indians lead 11-10 at the break.
Men's doubles final – Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty 5-2 Chen Bo Yang and Liu Yi: A solid start for the Indian pair so far with some classic winners.
Men's doubles final – Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty vs Chen Bo Yang and Liu Yi: Warmups are done and both pairs are ready to go!
Satwik and Chirag walk out to flashing lights and shake hands with their mascots.
Hello and welcome to Scroll’s coverage of Indian badminton
The Indian men’s doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty have entered their fourth final in the 2024 BWF World Tour. While they finished as runners-up in the Malaysia Open Super 1000 and India Open Super 750, they clinched their first title of the season when they beat Lee Jhe Huei and Yang Po Hsuan of Chinese Taipei 21-11, 21-17 in the 2024 French Open Super 750.
Currently ranked No 3 in the world, the Indian pair is the top seeded team in Bangkok and have been in good form throughout the tournament with consecutive straight-game wins to reach the final. They will be up against the new team of Chen Bo Yang and Liu Yi of China – this will be the first time the two teams meet.
The Chinese pair were a part of the team that won the Asia Team Championships in February.
Screenshots courtesy Jio Cinema and BWF Tournament Software