Indonesia Open 2023 Final, HIGHLIGHTS: Satwik-Chirag becomes first Indian pair to win Super 1000 title

India’s top men’s doubles duo Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty beat reigning world champions Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik of Malaysia 21-17, 21-18 in the summit clash of the Indonesia Open on Sunday.

The first game saw the Indians stuttering at start, however, they picked up pace and by the end of the mid-game interval, they were leading 11-9. In contrast, the second game started and the Indians dominated the proceedings. Though the Malaysian pair did come close towards the end, they were unable to withstand the pressure and succumbed to it.

AND THAT’S IT! Chirag smashes one onto Aaron, who is unable to retaliate and hits one onto the net. THE INDIANS WIN THEIR FIRST EVER SUPER 1000 TITLE!

An unforced error by Wooi, who jump smashes just for the shuttle to hit the net, gives the Indian pair an advantage

Three consecutive points for the Indians as Wooi raises one off only for it to land wide off the sideline.

Satwik’s angular smash in between the two World Champions leaves them stumped.

Chirag deceives Aaron with a disguised smash which looked like a drop shot near the net.

In a battle of smashes, the Indian seventh seeded pair comes on top with Wooi failing to place the shuttle inside the court.

Satwik is faced with continous attacks and his backhand shot hits one onto the net.

Chirag anticipates Aaron’s shot near the net and smashes one before the second seeded pair is able to catch up.

Despite the defending, Aaron hits one onto the net as he is unable to connect to Chirag’s smash.

Aaron is unable to pass the net.

Soh falls to the ground while defending and continues to do so while sitting on the court, but after being targeted by both the Indians’ smashes, he finally crumbles as it seems like the shuttle hit his face.

Malaysians challenge but its out and the Indians manage to hold on to the first game after a rather slow start.

Chirag leaves yet another shot which he feels would go out and he anticipates it right.

Service mistakes and quick returns on serves leaves both team to lose points each.

The Malaysians attack once they receive the serve which forces the Indians to hit it and the shuttle goes wide.

Yet another smash from Chirag onto Aaron’s body in the middle of the court as Soh leaves his position while returning the previous smash by Satwik.

Chirag smashes one onto to Aaron’s foot as the Malaysians falter while defending.

This time its Soh, who fails to return Chirag’s backhand and the shuttle ends out before mid-game interval.

Service error for Aaron and the Malaysians.

Four consecutive points for the Indians as theMalaysians are forced to err with Aaron having fallen down and receiving while being seated on the court.

Parity is restored as Aaron hits one outside the sideline.

Chirag makes the right call as the shuttle is hit wide off the backline.

Points are exchanged. However, this time it’s Chirag’s turn to shine with a shot near the net.

Satwik finally gets India a point

The Malaysians make quick work of the Indians and gain three consecutive points.

Aaron to serve.

The Malaysians are second seeds, while the Indian duo are seventh.

bt Min Hyuk Kang and Seung Jae Seo of Korea 17-21, 21-19, 21-18 (semifinal)

bt Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Rian Ardianto of Malaysia 21-13, 21-13 (quarterfinal)

bt China’s He Ji Ting and Zhou Hao Dong 21-17, 21-15 (second round)

bt Christo Popov and Toma Junior Popov of France 21-12, 11-7 retd. (first round)

In the 2023 Sudirman Cup group match, Satwik-Cgirag lost 18-21, 19-21 to the second seeded Malaysian pair.

The Malaysian pair has a staggering 7-0 lead over the Indians.

This is Satwik-Chirag’s maiden Super 1000 finals.

Indian men’s doubles duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty fought hard to advance to the final of the Indonesia Open World Tour Super 1000 event on Saturday.

The Commonwealth Games gold medalist duo of Satwik and Chirag, seeded seventh, overcame a game deficit to beat unseeded Min Hyuk Kang and Seung Jae Seo of Korea 17-21, 21-19, 21-18 to seal their maiden Super-1000 final berth.

The win also extended their overall head-to-head record over Kang and Seo to 3-2.

World No 6 Satwik and Chirag will face second seeds Aaron Chia and Wooi Yik Soh of Malaysia.

The live telecast of the Indonesia Open Super 1000 matches will be available on Sports 18 and the live streaming will be available on the JioCinema app and BWF’s YouTube Channel BWF TV.