New Delhi, September 13 (HS): India’s top men’s doubles pair, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, reached the final of the Hong Kong Open Super 500 with a straight-game victory on Saturday.

The World No. 9 duo defeated Taiwan’s Lin Bing Wei and Chen Cheng Kuan 21-17, 21-15, booking their place in their first final of the season after enduring six semifinal exits.

The eighth-seeded Indians will now face the winners of the second semifinal between China’s Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang and Taiwan’s Li Fang Chih and Lee Fang Jen.

For Satwik and Chirag, this result goes far beyond just another final berth. It symbolizes a spirited comeback after a difficult year that tested both their physical endurance and mental resolve.

The pair recently secured a bronze medal at the World Championships, becoming only the third Indian duo after Saina Nehwal and P.V. Sindhu to clinch multiple medals at the prestigious tournament.

Satwik had to battle not only a series of injuries—back and elbow issues—but also personal tragedy when he lost his father to a cardiac arrest in February. Later, his return was further delayed due to chickenpox. Chirag too has struggled with recurring back injuries, which derailed their rhythm and consistency.

Saturday’s commanding win, therefore, was not just about form, but also about resilience. It reflected the hunger and fight that once made them a trailblazing force in Indian doubles badminton.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar