Satwik-Chirag Enter World Tour Finals Semis as Group Toppers After Beating Chia/Yik
India’s top men’s doubles pair top their group, avenge Olympic loss, and set sights on maiden World Tour Finals title
New Delhi, Dec 20: India’s premier men’s doubles pair, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, scripted history at the BWF World Tour Finals 2025, becoming the first Indian men’s doubles team to reach the semi-finals of the prestigious season ending tournament.
The world No. 3 duo secured their semi-final spot with a thrilling 17-21, 21-18, 21-15 comeback win over world No. 2 and Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medallists Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik of Malaysia on Friday. The victory also allowed Satwik and Chirag to avenge their defeat at the Paris Olympics, completing a full-circle moment on one of badminton’s biggest stages.
The Indian pair had already shown strong form in the group stage, opening with a comeback win against China’s Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang, followed by a commanding three game victory over Indonesia’s Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Shohibul Fikri. Their unbeaten run ensured they topped Group B, widely regarded as the toughest in the draw.
Against the experienced Malaysian pair, Satwik and Chirag showcased resilience and composure, turning the match around after losing the first game. They dominated mid-court exchanges and stayed calm in crucial moments to secure their place in the last four.
In the semi-finals, Satwik and Chirag will face China’s Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang again, having already beaten them in the group stage. A win will propel them to the World Tour Finals final, where they will chase their maiden title at the season-ending extravaganza.
