Satwik-Chirag Beat Nemesis Chia-Soh In 70-Min Thriller To Enter World Final Semis

Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty delivered a landmark performance at the BWF World Tour Finals 2025 on Friday (December 19), becoming the first Indian men’s doubles pair to qualify for the semi-finals of the elite season-ending tournament.

The world No. 3 Indians booked their spot in the last four after rallying to a 17-21, 21-18, 21-15 victory over arch rivals, world No. 2 Malaysians Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, in a marathon 70-minute clash.

Seeded third, Satwik and Chirag displayed composure and tactical skill after losing the first game, eventually defeating the Paris Olympic bronze medallists 17-21, 21-18, 21-15 in a thrilling 70-minute match.

The unbeaten pair in Group B needed just one game to reach the semi-finals despite a 5-11

head-to-head record against the Malaysians. They did more than required, adapting their strategy mid-match to regain control.

After dropping the first game, they improved their positioning and varied their returns, combining lifts with sharp drives to disrupt Aaron and Soh’s rhythm.

The match was intense from the start, with both pairs focusing on precise service and returns, creating awkward angles to challenge each other. The early exchanges were balanced, with the score tied at 6-6.

The Malaysians pulled ahead to 9-6, but Satwik and Chirag targeted Soh Wooi Yik to draw level. Aaron’s net error made it 10-10 before Soh’s smash gave Malaysia a one-point lead at the interval.

Post-break, errors from Satwik and Chirag allowed the Malaysians to extend their lead to 13-10. Mixing placements and controlled aggression, Aaron and Soh moved to 15-11 and then to 18-12, with Soh’s sharp backhand proving effective.

Satwik’s smash was countered in a flat exchange, giving Malaysia three game points, which they secured on the first try.

The second game saw both pairs keeping the shuttle flat and attacking early. Aaron’s powerful smash gave Malaysia a slight edge, but the Indians kept up with strong returns. Satwik and Chirag briefly took control with varied lifts and sharp drives.

Momentum shifted repeatedly until the Indians took control late in the game, saving themselves with strong shots. Despite Chirag receiving a yellow card for delaying play, the Indians won the second game with aggressive smashes, securing their knockout spot.

With the pressure off, Satwik and Chirag took an 11-9 lead with a four-point burst. They controlled the rallies, extending their lead to 15-11.

Firmly in control, their lead grew to 17-13 as Aaron hit the net. Another error from Malaysia brought India close to victory. Chirag’s inside-out shot hit the net, but Satwik’s return off the serve earned five match points. They clinched the match with Chirag’s probing serve that Soh netted.

India’s presence at the year-end finale has been significant but sporadic. PV Sindhu is the only Indian to win the title, claiming the women’s singles crown in 2018, while Saina Nehwal reached the final in 2011.

In doubles, Jwala Gutta and V. Diju were mixed doubles finalists at the 2009 Super Series Finals.

(With agency inputs)