Star Indian men’s doubles shuttlers Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty on Sunday, May 31, broke their longstanding title drought to win the Singapore Open title, beating third seeds Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Shohibul Fikri 18-21, 21-17, 21-16 in a thrilling encounter.
Satwik-Chirag’s last title came at the Thailand Open in 2024. This was their ninth career BWF World Tour crown.
The win against the Indonesians was significant for the world No. 4 Indian duo, who became the first Indians to win the Singapore Open doubles title.
Since the Thailand Open win in 2024, Satwik-Chirag have reached four finals but finished runners-up on each occasion before breaking the drought in Singapore.
Satwik-Chirag went into the final with a 1-2 head-to-head record against the Indonesian pair, having suffered their most recent loss to them in the quarterfinals of the Malaysia Open earlier this year.
After losing the opening game, Satwik-Chirag stepped up their intensity and took control of the longer exchanges, staging a strong comeback to overcome the world No. 3 Indonesian duo.
The win against Alfian and Fikri capped a brilliant week for the Indian duo, who had earlier stunned reigning world champions and top seeds Kim Won-ho and Seo Seung-jae in the semifinals.
As the winning point was sealed, Satwik and Chirag lay flat on the court in celebration.
Satwik followed it up with a baby-themed celebration, while an ecstatic Chirag let out a roar before leaping onto his partner.
The duo later danced on court as they savoured a long-awaited return to the top step on the podium.
