BWF World Tour Finals: Satwik and Chirag edge closer to semifinals in Hangzhou
Published: Dec 18, 2025
Arthur Jones
Writer
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty continued their fine run at the BWF World Tour Finals 2025, securing their second straight victory to move closer to a spot in the semifinals. While their form has put them firmly in control, a challenging clash against Malaysia’s second seeds awaits on Friday.
India’s leading men’s doubles duo picked up another win at the season-ending event, overcoming Indonesia’s Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Shohibul Fikri in an intense three-game battle at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Gymnasium on Thursday, December 18.
The world No. 3 pair displayed confidence and resilience to post a 21-11, 16-21, 21-11 win, keeping their unbeaten record intact in Group B and strengthening their push for a semifinal berth. With two victories from two matches, Satwik and Chirag sit atop the group and enjoy a healthy points difference advantage.
It marked yet another long contest for the Indian pair, coming a day after they began their campaign with a hard-fought 12-21, 22-20, 21-14 victory over Chinese Olympic silver medallists Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang.
On Thursday, Satwik and Chirag dominated the opening game, never falling behind as they dictated play to take it 21-11. The Indonesians, who claimed the China Open Super 1000 earlier this year despite forming their partnership only in 2025, hit back in the second game. Although the Indians clawed back from an early 8-3 deficit to draw level at 12-12, they eventually lost 16-21.
The decider saw the Indians regain control. After a brief exchange at the start, Satwik and Chirag pulled away, building leads of as many as eight points before sealing the match comfortably at 21-11. They will now take on Malaysia’s second seeds, Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, on Friday in their final Group B encounter.
Historically, Satwik and Chirag have struggled against the Malaysian duo, trailing 5-11 in their head-to-head record. However, they have beaten Aaron and Soh in their last two meetings, including the quarterfinal at the World Championships in August.
Currently leading Group B, Satwik and Chirag will secure their place in the semifinals with a win on Friday. Should they lose, their fate will depend on the outcome of the other group match between Liang/Wang and Alfian/Fikri.
