After a thrilling encounter, Commonwealth Games winners Satwiksairaj and Chirag Shetty have advanced to the Malaysia Open Super 1000 quarterfinals. They managed to outlast the All England Open champions, Muhammad Shohibul Fikri and Bagas Maulana. Although the world no. 5 Indian duo won in straight sets, the match was an absolute battle, proving that the Indonesian pair were a significant threat. This result continues a positive trend for the Indians, who have now beaten the 11th-ranked Fikri and Maulana in three straight meetings.
The Commonwealth Games champions Satwiksairaj and Chirag Shetty stormed into the Malaysia Open Super 1000 tournament’s quarter-finals after outplaying All England Open champions Muhammad Shohibul Fikri and Bagas Maulana. Though the world no.5 Indian pair secured the win in straight games, it was not a straightforward or easy win as they survived a stiff test against the Indonesian pair. The Indian duo recorded their third straight win on the tour over Fikri and Maulana, who is ranked no.11 in the men’s doubles chart.
The first game was a clinical display by Satwik and Chirag, ending 21-19. The second game proved to be a real nail-biter, with the Indonesian pair utilizing every trick in the book to keep the score close and fight for a decider. Ultimately, the Indian pair stayed mentally tough to seal the victory 22-20. As the 7th seeds, they are showing great form as they kick off the season here in Kuala Lumpur.
Looking ahead to Friday, January 13, Satwiksairaj and Chirag are set to face the 6th-ranked Chinese pair, Liu Yu Chen and Ou Xuan Yi. The Chinese duo advanced to the quarterfinals after an impressive win over the 2022 World doubles champions, Malaysia's own Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, at the Axiata Arena.
It's worth noting that the Malaysian duo has been a tough hurdle for India, having beaten Satwik and Chirag four times throughout 2022. Following a strong start to this tournament, the Indian pair is now eyeing the overall title. They are riding the momentum of a stellar 2022 campaign, where they secured victory at the India Open, won the Thomas Cup, took gold at the Commonwealth Games, earned a World Championship bronze, and won the French Open.
Earlier that same day, India's top shuttler HS Prannoy fought his way into the quarterfinals, narrowly defeating Indonesia's Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo with a score of 21-9, 15-21, 21-16. In a grueling match that lasted over an hour, Prannoy relied on his veteran experience and sheer determination to secure the win.
The 30-year-old Indian started the match with strong momentum, dominating the opening game. However, the Indonesian player staged a spirited comeback to take the second game 21-15, forcing a final set. The decider became a tactical battle of crosscourt smashes, but Prannoy eventually established a five-point cushion to close out the match. He is scheduled to face Japan's Kodai Naraoka in the quarterfinals today.