Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty Claim First China Masters Title

In an exhilarating match, India's top men's doubles pair, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, clinched their first China Masters title by defeating China's He Ji Ting and Ren Xiang Yu. After a rocky start, the duo rallied back to win the match 11-21, 21-13, 21-17, showcasing their resilience and skill. This victory not only marks a significant achievement for the Indian players but also serves as redemption following their recent World Championships exit. With this win, they have now secured two titles in the 2026 season, including the Singapore Open.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 6, 2026, 17:50 IST

Historic Victory for Indian Duo

In a remarkable display of skill, India's leading men's doubles team, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, achieved their first-ever China Masters title by overcoming China's He Ji Ting and Ren Xiang Yu with scores of 11-21, 21-13, 21-17 at the Shenzhen Arena on Sunday.

A Dramatic Final Match

The Chinese pair started strong, applying pressure on Satwik and Chirag right from the beginning. The Indian duo struggled to find their footing, resulting in a 21-11 loss in the first game, which left them with little margin for error.

However, the top-seeded players responded powerfully in the second game, dominating the rallies and forcing their opponents into mistakes. Their enhanced defense and effective attacking strategies allowed them to equalize the match with a 21-13 win.

Nail-Biting Decider

The final game was fiercely contested, with both teams refusing to yield. The Indian pair maintained their composure during critical moments. With the score tied at 17-17, both sides exchanged errors amid intense rallies. Satwik and Chirag took the lead after He mishit a smash, and a pivotal rally led by Chirag brought them to match point. They converted their first match point, clinching the title with a 21-17 victory.

Redemption After Recent Setbacks

This victory provided a sense of redemption for Satwik and Chirag following their disappointing performance at the World Championships in New Delhi just two weeks prior. They seized the opportunity presented by injuries and withdrawals in the tournament draw, showcasing determination on their path to the title.

Despite the celebrations being subdued due to Chirag's back injury and Satwik's shoulder issue, their joy was palpable as Chirag celebrated with a shout and Satwik beamed with his signature smile after the final point.

Breaking the China Masters Curse

This win also marked the end of a frustrating streak for the Indian pair at the China Masters. They had previously reached the semifinals in 2019 and 2024 and finished as runners-up in 2023 and 2025. After losing to China's Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang in the 2023 final and to South Korea's Kim Won Ho and Seo Seung Jae in 2025, they finally secured the coveted China Masters title this time.

This triumph is their second title of the 2026 season, following their victory at the Singapore Open Super 750 and a runner-up finish at the Thailand Open Super 500.