Korea Open Highlights – World No.3 Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty stormed into the Korea Open 2023 final. The third seeded pair defeated World No.2 Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang 21-15, 24-22 on Saturday, 22nd July 2023.
Also Read: Satwiksairaj Rankireddy & Chirag Shetty enter semifinal at Korea Open
Chirag-Satwik eye maiden win against Chinese pair
Both pairs started off with engaging rallies and initially the scores were level 5-5. The Indians however managed to inch ahead and entered the interval with a three-point lead.
The Indian pair went on to maintain the lead and improved the score to 14-8. Under pressure the Chinese committed errors and the Indians capitalised on it and soon made it 19-12.
The Indian pair soon had six game points after Wang sent one to the net. They squandered one before a net-error from Liang helped them to seal the game 21-15.
The second game was no different with both the pairs alternatively taking points, moving from 2-2 to 8-8. Soon the Indians grabbed two quick points with Chirag leading the charge.
The second game too started off with both the players exchanging points as the scores were 8-8. The Indian pair then took three successive points and entered the interval with 11-8 lead.
After the interval, the Indians managed to take control of the proceedings and raced to a 14-9 lead. The Chinese pair however kept breathing down the Indian pair’s neck as they reduced the deficit to 17-18.
Liang then unleashed a smash as the scores were level 18-18. A tense battle soon ensued and a body smash from Chirag Shetty helped the Indians get their first match point.
But Satwik was short in his serve as it helped the Chinese pair level 20-20 Wang, however, sprayed the next one at the net but Liang saved the day with a smash as it was 22-22.
India grabbed their fourth match point and converted this time with Satwik sending one across, albeit after kissing the net. He soon broke into his trademark dance.
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