Hangzhou, December 19, 2025 – In a breathtaking display of skill and resilience, the Indian men's doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty overcame their long-standing rivals, Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik of Malaysia, in a thrilling 70-minute encounter at the BWF World Tour Finals 2025. The victory not only propelled the world No. 3 duo into the semi-finals but also etched their names in history as the first Indian men's doubles pair to reach this stage of the prestigious season-ending event.

The high-stakes match saw Satwik-Chirag stage a remarkable comeback after losing the first game, ultimately triumphing with a scoreline of 17-21, 21-18, 21-15. The tension was palpable as the Indian pair, often challenged by Chia and Soh, delivered under immense pressure, erasing memories of their 2021 withdrawal and a painful defeat at the Paris 2024 Olympics against the same opponents.

The match commenced at a furious pace, with both pairs emphasizing service and strategic receive, seeking sharp angles to unsettle each other. The initial exchanges were intense, with the score remaining tight at 6-6. The Malaysian pair then gained a slight advantage, leading 9-6, but Satwik and Chirag responded with a targeted strategy against Soh Wooi Yik, leveling the score after an error from Aaron Chia. A net error from Chia provided another point, but Soh countered with a powerful smash, allowing Malaysia to maintain a narrow lead at the interval.

Following the break, a couple of errors from Satwik and Chirag allowed the Malaysians to extend their lead to 13-10. Displaying controlled aggression, Aaron and Soh moved to 15-11 and then further ahead to 18-13, eventually closing out the first game 21-17.

In the second game, Chia-Soh hit three quick points after the mid-game interval to take the lead, but luck favored Satwik-Chirag as Shetty's net push drifted over, leveling the score at 12-12. A brilliant smash from Chirag Shetty sealed the second game for the Indian duo. With the pressure mounting, Satwik and Chirag secured the second game.

The final game saw Satwik and Chirag maintain composure and tactical acumen. After the change of strategy mid-match, Satwik and Chirag held their positions better, varied their returns and mixed lifts with sharp drives to disrupt Aaron and Soh's rhythm and seal the match.

By adjusting their strategy mid-match, Satwik and Chirag demonstrated their adaptability and determination, ultimately securing their place in the semi-finals as the only unbeaten duo in Group B. This historic win signifies a major milestone for Indian badminton and underscores Satwik-Chirag's status as top contenders on the world stage.

The Indian pair will now look forward to the semi-finals with renewed confidence, carrying the hopes of a nation as they aim for further glory at the BWF World Tour Finals 2025.