India's top men's doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty finished runners-up at the Thailand Open after going down to Indonesia's Leo Rolly Carnando and Daniel Marthin 21-12, 25-23 in a 53-minute final at the Nimibutr Stadium in Thailand.
A difficult opening game saw Satwik and Chirag struggle to find momentum, with the Indonesians racing away to a 21-12 win. The Indian duo bounced back in the second game, producing a strong fightback and taking it down to the wire, where, after saving five championship points in a row, they eventually succumbed to a 25-23 defeat.
Title wait continues for Satwik-Chirag
The defeat means Satwik and Chirag's wait for their first title of the 2026 season continues.
The Indian duo had entered the tournament carrying renewed confidence after
helping India secure a bronze medal at the Thomas Cup earlier this month. Their run to the Thailand Open final included a stunning comeback victory in the semifinals.
Their last title triumph remains the 2024 Thailand Open, making Saturday's loss another painful near-miss for one of India's most successful doubles combinations.
Despite the defeat, the run to the final signals encouraging signs for Satwik and Chirag ahead of a packed international calendar, with the pair gradually rediscovering rhythm after a slow start to the year.
