Indian doubles Duo Advances to Malaysia Open Semifinals
Indian badminton stars Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty secured a thrilling victory over Malaysian pair Yew Sing Ong and Ee Yi Teo, advancing to the semifinals of the prestigious Malaysia Open. The match, a nail-biting 50-minute affair, saw the Indians overcome a fierce challenge, ultimately prevailing 26-24, 21-15.
Last year’s finalists in this Super-1000 event, Rankireddy and Shetty displayed remarkable resilience. Despite a slight rustiness due to limited recent match play, they held their nerve in the face of adversity. In the opening game, they found themselves trailing 20-21, 21-22, 22-23, and 23-24, facing four match points. However, they rallied with unwavering determination, securing three consecutive points to clinch the game.The second game saw the Malaysian duo take an early lead,entering the break with a 11-8 advantage. However, the Indians returned with renewed vigor, unleashing a barrage of powerful smashes that overwhelmed their opponents.They swiftly established a 15-12 lead and, from 16-14, surged ahead to a commanding 20-14, leaving the Malaysians with no chance of a comeback.
Looking ahead, Rankireddy and Shetty will face a formidable challenge in the semifinals against South Korea’s Kim Won Ho and Jae Seo Seung.Expressing their satisfaction with their performance, Chirag Shetty remarked, “We couldn’t have asked for a better start to the year. Our goal was to progress as far as possible in this tournament, and we’re excited to see how far we can go.” He also acknowledged the enthusiastic crowd, stating, “The crowd was amazing, even though they were naturally supporting the local pair today. We hope they will be cheering for us tomorrow.”
Despite the convincing two-game victory, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy emphasized the intensity of the match, stating, “It was a tough encounter, as it always is against them. We had a cozy lead in the first game, but they fought back valiantly. Even when facing four consecutive game points, we remained calm and focused solely on winning the next point.”
In other quarterfinal action, China’s Bo Yang Chen and Yi Liu, along with Malaysia’s Wei Chong Man and Kai Wun Tee, also secured their spots in the semifinals.
Resilience and Redemption: An Interview with Badminton Legend Prakash Padukone
Welcome back,badminton enthusiasts,to another exciting episode of “Inside the Court”! Today,we have the pleasure of hosting a true legend of the sport,the iconic Prakash Padukone. Sir, thank you for joining us.
Prakash Padukone: it’s a pleasure to be here.
Our conversation today centers around the thrilling quarterfinal match at the Malaysia open, where India’s Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty displayed remarkable grit and determination to beat the formidable Malaysian pair of Yew Sing Ong and Ee Yi Teo. sir, what were your initial thoughts when you saw the Indians trailing by match point in that first game?
Prakash Padukone: A match like that, especially at this level, is a testament to the mental fortitude of these youngsters. Facing four match points against a home crowd is incredibly tough. However, Satwik and Chirag showed amazing composure under pressure. They didn’t panic, stuck to their game plan, and fought back point by point. It was truly inspiring to witness their resolve.
Absolutely. They turned the tables dramatically, winning three consecutive points to clinch the first game.
Prakash Padukone: Precisely! It highlights the importance of belief and staying in the moment. Even when the odds seem stacked against you, believing in your abilities can make all the difference.
The second game was a dominant performance by the Indians. They seemed to have completely changed gears after that thrilling first game
Prakash Padukone: I agree. They came out firing on all cylinders after the break. The key was their aggression.They unleashed a barrage of powerful smashes, putting constant pressure on the Malaysians.It was a masterclass in controlled aggression.
Indeed, the final scoreline of 21-15 suggests a rather comfortable victory in the second game. But looking ahead, there’s another tough challenge waiting for them in the semifinals against south Korea’s Kim Won Ho and Jae Seo Seung, a formidable pair known for their tactical brilliance.
Prakash Padukone: There’s no doubt whatsoever, Kim and Jae Seo Seung are highly skilled and experienced opponents. They will test Satwik and Chirag’s tactical acumen and their ability to adapt to different playing styles.
This India team last year made it to the finals, but seems somewhat rusty due to limited recent match play. Can they use that experience from last year’s run to fuel this year’s campaign?
Prakash Padukone: Absolutely. The experience of reaching the finals last year will undoubtedly serve as a valuable asset. Theynow know what it takes to compete at the highest level. The vital thing is to learn from both wins and losses,maintain that unwavering belief in their abilities,and stay focused on their goals.
Sir, what message do you have for Satwik and Chirag as they prepare for this crucial semifinal match?
Prakash Padukone: Stick to your game plan, trust your instincts, and most importantly, enjoy the moment. You’ve earned your place in the semifinals. Now go out there and give it your all.
Thank you so much, sir, for your time and valuable insights. We wish Satwik and Chirag all the best in their semi-final match.
What are your thoughts on the incredible comeback by Satwik and Chirag? can they go all the way and clinch the title? Share your opinions in the comments below!
