Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty triumphed at the French Open, securing their second men’s doubles title in Paris by defeating Lee Jhe-Huei and Yang Po-Hsuan from Chinese Taipei. The Indian duo, former runners-up, clinched the championship with a commanding 21-11, 21-17 victory in just 37 minutes.
This win marks their first title of the season after reaching three finals in 2023. Coach Pullela Gopichand believes they’re strong contenders for gold in Paris despite previous runner-up finishes.
Their seventh BWF World Tour title showcased their dominance throughout the tournament without dropping a single game. Celebrating in their customary style, Satwik lifted Chirag, while both indulged in a joyful dance, expressing their delight at the victory.
Their opponents, though ranked lower, posed a challenge due to recent victories, making Satwik and Chirag’s sharp attack and solid defence crucial.
The Indian pair dominated the first several rallies of the game, taking advantage of mistakes made by their opponent. After the victory, Chirag underlined the value of not undervaluing opponents by praising their tenacity and concentration during the game. With Satwik pledging to enjoy every game while keeping their competitive edge, the win sets a positive tone for their future ambitions.
