Hong Kong, Sept 14 (UNI) Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty came close to turning a corner in Hong Kong today, but the final step remained elusive as they lost 21-19, 14-21, 17-21 to China’s Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang in the men’s doubles title clash here today.
From the start, there was an air of purpose about the Indian pair. They served and returned with clarity, built the rallies intelligently, and held their nerve to close out the first game 21-19, aided by a calm Hawkeye challenge on game point. It was a reminder of how well they have learned to combine raw power with steady judgment.
The Chinese, however, found their rhythm in the second game. Liang’s steep smashes and Wang’s quick interceptions forced the Indians to defend too often. A 21-14 scoreline reflected not just the pressure from the other side but also a slight dip in the quality of Satwik-Chirag’s length and rotation.
As so often happens at the highest level, the decider hinged on the first few exchanges. Liang and Wang struck early, racing to 6-0 before the Indians could settle. Though Satwik and Chirag began to find their range midway through, pulling back from 10-18 to 17-20 with bold play and sharp anticipation, the gap proved just too wide. Liang’s clean winner on the third match point sealed a contest that lasted just over an hour.
The Indians will look back at the third game with some regret, but also with encouragement. They were never outclassed, only outpaced in patches. Their attacking intent, especially Satwik’s flat smashes and Chirag’s control at the net, continues to trouble every top pair. What they need is the steadiness to weather early bursts in deciding games, a lesson that has surfaced more than once in recent months.
Titles may have evaded them since their triumph in Thailand, but this campaign underlined why they belong at the top tier of world doubles. With the season moving towards Super 750 and Super 1000 events, a small tightening of their starts and an unflinching focus at the close could make all the difference.
For a pair still refining their balance between flair and patience, Hong Kong was another step in the right direction — even if the last step remains to be taken.
