End of the Road in China: Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty Crash Out in China Open 2025 Semi-Finals
Chengdu, July 27, 2025
India’s star badminton duo Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, who have consistently flown the tricolor high on the international circuit, saw their China Open 2025 campaign come to a halt in the semi-finals after a hard-fought defeat against the world number 3 pair from Indonesia.
Ranked World No. 2 and considered one of the top contenders for the title this year, Satwik and Chirag went down 18-21, 21-19, 17-21 in a thrilling contest that lasted over 75 minutes, full of powerful rallies, mind-bending net play, and emotional swings.
Match Summary: A Battle of Equals
In a match that showcased world-class doubles action, the Indian duo started strong, showing intent with fast smashes and clever rotations. However, the Indonesian pair of Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Rian Ardianto proved equally sharp, winning the first game 21-18 after breaking away in the final stretch.
Satwik and Chirag mounted a superb comeback in the second game, staying calm under pressure and clawing their way back from 14-17 to snatch it 21-19 — with Chirag’s net interceptions and Satwik’s thundering jump smashes keeping the Indian challenge alive.
However, in the decisive third game, the Indonesians capitalized on a few unforced errors by the Indians and pulled ahead at 17-17 with a four-point burst that ended India’s hopes of a final berth.
Scoreline Snapshot
- Semi-final: China Open 2025 (Men’s Doubles)
- Satwiksairaj Rankireddy / Chirag Shetty (IND): 18-21, 21-19, 17-21
- Fajar Alfian / Muhammad Rian Ardianto (INA): Win in 75 minutes
Post-Match Reactions
Speaking to the press after the match, Chirag Shetty said:
“It was a tough match. We knew we had to bring our A-game, and while we fought hard, a few lapses at key points cost us. Credit to Fajar and Rian, they played a solid game.”
Satwik added:
“We’ve been playing consistently, and this loss will only fuel our hunger. The season is long, and we’ll bounce back stronger.”
A Strong Run Nonetheless
Despite falling short in the semis, the Indian duo had a commendable run at the China Open 2025:
- Defeated the defending champions from Korea in the quarters
- Maintained a winning streak through the early rounds
- Showed great composure in crunch moments
Their performance here will still contribute significant ranking points as they prepare for the Paris Olympics 2025, where expectations are sky-high.
What’s Next for the Dynamic Duo?
The duo will now turn their focus to:
- Japan Open 2025, scheduled next month
- BWF Super 1000 Finals in December
- Paris Olympics Prep Camps, starting early September
With consistent semi-final and final appearances in top-tier tournaments, Satwik and Chirag are firmly among the world’s elite and remain India’s brightest hopes for a historic Olympic gold in men’s doubles.
The semi-final exit is a reminder of the fine margins at the top level, but also a testament to how far Indian badminton has come. Satwiksairaj and Chirag may have bowed out of the China Open 2025, but their grit, flair, and chemistry continue to inspire millions back home.
They didn’t win the title, but they won hearts — and they’re not done yet.
