India’s first men’s doubles medal: Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty claim India’s first men’s doubles medal at World Championships

Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty created history by becoming the first Indian pair to win a medal in the men’s doubles event at the World Championships by defeating world number two Takuro Hoki and Yugo Kobayashi of Japan in the quarter-finals here on Friday.

The world No. 7 Indian pair, who won gold at the Commonwealth Games earlier this month, defeated local favorites and defending champions 24-22 15-21 21-14 in one hour and 15 minutes to clinch their maiden medal at the prestigious tournament. ,

This was India’s second World Championships medal in doubles event with Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa winning bronze in women’s doubles in 2011.

After ensuring at least a bronze medal, Satwik and Chirag will now face sixth-seeded Malaysian pair of Aaron Chia and Soh Wui Yik in the semi-finals.

Earlier, MR Arjun and Dhruv Kapila’s good run came to an end when the Indian pair lost to three-time gold medalists Mohammad Ahsan and Hendra Setiawan in another men’s doubles quarterfinal.

The unseeded Indian pair, who had some sensational victories this week, went down 8-21, 14-21 to third seeded Indonesian pair in less than 30 minutes.

The Indians had earlier defeated eighth seeds Kim Astrup and Anders Skarup Rasmussen of Denmark in the second round.

Satwik and Chirag dominated the opening round to set up a 12-5 lead in the first game, but the Japanese pair held on to a 16-14 advantage with seven consecutive points.

However, the Indian pair was up for the job as they struggled tooth and nail to ensure an advantage after the opening game.

Takuro and Yugo came back strongly in the second game after a hard-fought 9-9 split.

With the match hanging in the balance, the Indian pair once again tightened their grip and attacked at intervals to take an 11-5 lead.

Satwik and Chirag then extended the lead to 14-8 when the Indians were called for a mistake touching the net during the return. Both lost the point but were soon able to put it back, leading 16-9.

Yugo made some sensational shots, including a powerful smash and a cross court return, to keep the Japanese pair’s chances alive with three points.

Two shots wide from the Japanese pair took India a few points away from their 19-13 win.

The Indians then pulled off another spectacular comeback to score seven match points, which their opponents failed to negotiate.

A bit nervous, Satwik stumbles after his serve, but Yugo sends the shuttle over the net as Chirag stops crying in celebration.

Originally published at Pen 18