Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty had yet another unforgettable experience in Paris, clinching the French Open badminton title for the second time. They secured a commanding straight-game victory over Lee Jhe-Huei and Yang Po-Hsuan from Chinese Taipei in the men’s doubles final on Sunday.
The Indian duo, ranked world No. 1, had previously finished as runners-up in the French Open in 2019 before seizing the title in 2022. This year, they displayed their dominance by outplaying Lee and Yang with a score of 21-11 21-17 in just 37 minutes, reclaiming the Super 750 tournament crown and marking their first victory of the season. This win came after reaching the final for the third time in 2023 but falling short in previous tournaments such as the Malaysia Super 1000 and India Super 750.
Their triumph in Paris solidified their coach Pullela Gopichand’s belief that they are strong contenders for the gold at the upcoming Olympics. Chirag expressed his joy, emphasizing the significance of winning at the Olympic venue, while also acknowledging the upcoming challenges.
Their victory marked their seventh BWF World Tour title, achieved without dropping a single game throughout the tournament. Following their win, the duo celebrated in their signature style, with Satwik lifting Chirag in celebration and breaking into a spontaneous dance with his racquet.
Reflecting on their performance, Satwik highlighted their determination to enjoy the game while giving their all on the court. Despite their opponents' recent successes, Satwik and Chirag maintained their focus and executed their game plan effectively.
In the match, the Indian pair demonstrated a sharp attack and solid defense, capitalizing on their opponents' errors and maintaining control over the rallies. They capitalized on their lead in the first game and remained composed under pressure in the second, ultimately securing the victory.
Despite a brief resurgence from Lee and Yang in the second game, Chirag and Satwik maintained their composure, regrouped quickly, and regained control of the match. With a series of well-executed shots and strategic decisions, they closed out the game and clinched the title.
Their victory not only showcased their skill and determination but also reinforced their status as one of the leading pairs in international badminton. As they look ahead to future tournaments, Satwik and Chirag remain focused on maintaining their form and achieving further success on the global stage.
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