Chirag Shetty swivels to play a backhand shot as Satwiksairaj Rankireddy looks on during the men’s doubles final at the China Masters in Shenzhen on September 6, 2026. Photo: BWF/Badminton Photo
\n\nThird time was indeed lucky for Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty at the China Masters. After finishing runners-up in 2023 and 2025, the Indians finally got their hands on the Super 750 title, battling past China’s He Ji Ting and Ren Xiang Yu 11-21, 21-13, 21-17 in a thrilling three-game final in Shenzhen.
\n\nComing into the event after heartbreaking quarterfinal exit from the home World Championships, where they were outwitted by their long-term rivals Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang of China, the Indians knew they needed to be patient in a criss-crossing game that could scramble one’s mind under pressure. They had learnt that lesson the hard way at the Worlds.
\n\nAt the China Masters, they played four three-game contests in a row, a show of their peak fitness, especially with Satwik returning from a long injury layoff at the Worlds. Hence, their run at the China Masters was a shot in the arm for their confidence.
\n\nHowever, unlike their spirited wins over the Popov brothers – Christo…
Original source: https://www.timesnownews.com/sports
