India's Duo Wins First Title Of The Year.

Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty won the Swiss Open, their first title of the year with a 21-19, 24-22 victory against Chinese pair of Tang Qian and Ren Yu Xiang in Basel on Sunday. This is the fifth world tour title for the Indian pair after the Hyderabad open in 2018,Thailand Open in 2019,India Open, French Open and World Championships bronze in 2022.

In 2022,they won two major titles, Commonwealth Games gold and helped India win the Thomas cup. On Sunday, looked flawless against a Chinese pair that did not lose a single game here. In the first game, the Indians moved ahead to 18-13 but the Chinese pair made it 19-18. Having only one point lead, the Indians did not hesitate to play their trademark smashes.

First it was Chirag and then Satwik came with another smash to clinch the game. The second game was closely fought. The Indians squandered two match points at 20-18 and saved one at 21-22. Net chord saved the Chinese twice and they were up 22-21, but at this crucial juncture another net chord secured a point for India. At 23-22, Satwik served and what followed was a ferociously fought rally involving all the four players. 

Despite playing a couple of smashes the Indians were in control and focused more on returning the shuttle. Finally Tan's backhand return crashed into the net setting off wild celebrations among the Indians. Coach Mathias Boe jumped in delight from his courtside seat and Chirag removed his T-Shirt to join the celebrations. Incidentally, this is the first doubles title for India in Switzerland. Saina Nehwal, PV Sindhu, Kidambi Srikanth and HS Prannoy have all won singles titles here. This is the first Super-300 title for Satwik-Chirag, earlier they had won Super -500, Super-750 and Super-100 titles.