Hong Kong Open 2025: Satwik-Chirag Advances to the Finals

Hong Kong Open Super 500 final was won in straight games on Saturday by India’s top men’s doubles team, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, ending a protracted wait for a championship shot this year.

The world No. 9 pair advanced to their first final of the season after six heartbreaking semifinals by defeating Bing-Wei Lin and Chen Cheng Kuan of Chinese Taipei 21-17, 21-15.

The winners of the other semifinal between Fang-Chih Lee and Fang-Jen Lee of Chinese Taipei and Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang of China will play the eighth-seeded Indians.

The two pairs were tied at 3-3 and 6-6 in the first game before the Indians edged ahead 11-8 thanks to Satwik’s smashes and Chirag’s deft interceptions.

The Indians jumped to 15-12 and ended the game on their second game point with Chirag’s angled, fast return, despite the Taiwanese rallying to 12-12.

In the second, Chen and Lin got out to a quicker start, leading 4-2, but India caught up at 6-6 after their opponents misjudged their serve.

Chirag made a few mistakes to put the Taiwanese ahead 10–8, but Satwik responded with another thunderous smash to tie the score at 12-all.

After Satwik punished a feeble reply, the Indians tightened their hold and went to 17-15.

Before Chen’s net error gave Satwik and Chirag five match points, the score quickly shifted to India’s advantage, 19–15. As soon as the Taiwanese went long, the Indians converted.

The outcome is more than simply a prelude to another summit conflict for Satwik and Chirag.

After a demanding year that tried their bodies and souls, it represents a heartwarming return.

The Indians suffered the heartbreak of losing out on an Olympic medal a year ago after Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik of Malaysia stopped them.

They gained some pride by winning a bronze at the World Championships, making them just the third Indian duo to do so after Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu.

In the months following the Olympics, Satwik fought back and elbow problems before experiencing personal tragedy in February when his father passed away from a cardiac arrest.

A case of chickenpox again interrupted his comeback. Chirag also battled a recurrent back issue, which hindered the pair’s rhythm and output.

Thus, Saturday’s victory was a testament to their tenacity as much as their skill, providing a taste of the zeal that once made them pioneers for Indian doubles on the international scene.