Friday, 17 May 2024

News | BWF World Tour

India’s Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty achieved a remarkable victory in the men’s doubles at the TOYOTA Thailand Open 2019, defeating China’s Li Jun Hui and Liu Yu Chen, who are ranked No. 2 in the world. This unexpected win proved to be one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.

In their first Super 500 final, Rankireddy and Shetty, currently ranked No. 16 in the world, displayed exceptional skill and determination. They outclassed the 2018 world champions from China in a thrilling match that lasted a little over an hour. The final score was 21-19, 18-21, 21-18 in favor of the Indian duo.

Despite facing initial challenges at the beginning of the year, with Rankireddy recovering from a chest bone injury, the Indian pair showcased their prowess on the court. Rankireddy’s relentless smashes kept the Chinese opponents on edge throughout the match.

Reflecting on the victory, Rankireddy expressed his calm mindset during the intense game: “I was not playing like usual but I kept telling myself that it’s just one more match, one more match. I was so calm and whenever I got a chance, I wanted to finish the shot. I could see that they didn’t want to lift the shuttle for me.”

Shetty also shared his excitement after the win: “I can’t believe that we’ve just beaten the current world champs. They are really good attacking players so our plan was to keep the shuttle low. We varied our shots and played strategically to unsettle them.”

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The defeated Chinese pair acknowledged the talent and control displayed by Rankireddy and Shetty. Liu praised their performance: “They were more than we expected. They were calm and in control. In stressed situations, they managed to pull through. They are a big potential threat for a long time.”

This outstanding win showcases the immense potential of Rankireddy and Shetty in the world of badminton. Their victory is a testament to their hard work and the training they received under Coach Flandy Limpele of Indonesia. The change in training, which focused on physical conditioning and running, contributed significantly to their success.

In addition to the men’s doubles match, the tournament witnessed other exciting games. In the women’s doubles, Shiho Tanaka and Koharu Yonemoto from Japan defeated China’s Du Yue and Li Yin Hui after a close battle lasting 84 minutes. Wang Yi Lyu and Huang Dong Ping from China emerged victorious in the mixed doubles category, defeating Yuta Watanabe and Arisa Higashino from Japan in a thrilling encounter.

The triumphs and challenges faced by these athletes provide valuable insights into the world of badminton. Each tournament is a unique learning experience, enabling players to improve their skills and techniques for future competitions.

FAQs

Q: How did Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty manage to defeat the world No. 2 Chinese pair?
A: Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty showcased exceptional skill and strategic play, keeping the shuttle low and utilizing a combination of hard smashes and soft shots to unsettle their opponents.

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Q: Who coached Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty?
A: Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty received coaching from Flandy Limpele, a renowned coach from Indonesia. Limpele’s training methods, including physical conditioning and running, played a significant role in their success.

Conclusion

The victory of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty in the men’s doubles at the TOYOTA Thailand Open 2019 reflects their exceptional talent and determination. Their triumph over the world No. 2 Chinese pair serves as an inspiration to aspiring badminton players worldwide. With their hard work and dedication, Rankireddy and Shetty have established themselves as formidable contenders in the badminton arena.

To read more about Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty’s victory and other results from the tournament, visit Carnegiecentre.