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Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty’s bid for another international crown ended in heartbreak as the Indian men’s doubles pair fell to Korea’s world No.1 duo Kim Won Ho and Seo Seung Jae in straight games at the China Masters Super 750 final on Sunday.

 

The Asian Games champions squandered a 14-7 lead in the opening game, eventually going down 19-21, 15-21 in 45 minutes. Despite their impressive run this season, including a second World Championships bronze and runners-up finish at the Hong Kong Open, Satwik and Chirag could not seize the crucial moments against the experienced Koreans.

 

Kim and Seo, who reunited this season after brief partnerships with other players, were contesting their ninth final of 2025 and already held six titles, including a World Championships gold in Paris and Super 1000 crowns at the All England and Indonesia Open.

 

The first game saw Korea surge to a 3-0 lead, only for the Indians to respond with a string of angled smashes, taking an 11-7 advantage at the interval. They extended it to 14-8 before errors and a lost video challenge shifted momentum.

Also read: Satwik-Chirag reach China Masters final

Kim and Seo capitalised, winning eight of the next nine points to seize control. A net error from Chirag and a sharp winner from Kim handed Korea the opening game.

 

In the second, Satwik and Chirag began strongly, trading spectacular net play and angled smashes with their opponents. The Indians led 8-6 but allowed the Koreans back into contention. Seo’s cross-court defensive brilliance and net finesse gave Korea a slender advantage at the interval.

 

Post-break, Korea extended their lead with a mix of precise returns and resilient defence, exploiting Indian errors. Five match points followed after Chirag’s misfires, and Satwik’s final return sailed long, handing the title to the Korean pair.

 

Despite the defeat, Satwik and Chirag’s performances reaffirmed their place among the world’s elite doubles teams, showcasing moments of brilliance and tactical acumen throughout the week-long tournament.