India’s men’s doubles pair, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, advanced to the semifinals of the China Masters Super 750 following a hard-fought, three-game victory against Denmark’s Kim Astrup and Anders Skaarup Rasmussen in Shenzhen, China, according to tournament reports.
The fourth-seeded Indian duo overcame their Danish opponents 21-13, 16-21, 21-18 in a demanding 70-minute encounter. The win keeps the pair’s strong season trajectory intact, building on prior notable results that include a silver-medal finish at the Thailand Open Super 500 and a top-podium spot at the Singapore Open Super 750 in May, according to reports.
Early Dominance and Opening Game Control
Rankireddy and Shetty established early control in the first game, utilizing an aggressive style of play to jump out to a 5-1 lead. Dictating the pace of the rallies through a steady stream of winners, the Indian pair extended their advantage to 16-9 before securing the opening game comfortably.
However, the tactical dynamic shifted significantly in the second game. Astrup and Rasmussen raised their defensive intensity and matched the fourth seeds shot for shot. With the score locked at 15-15, the Danish pair executed a decisive six-point scoring run across two sequences to claim the second game and force a deciding third set.
Deciding Game Battle and Semifinal Context
The third game proved fiercely contested, with neither team conceding ground until the closing points. Rankireddy and Shetty ultimately managed to close out the 21-18 decision to seal the match and secure their place in the tournament’s next round.
While the doubles pair advanced, India’s campaign in the men’s singles bracket concluded at the quarterfinal stage. Veteran Kidambi Srikanth exited the tournament following his loss in the last eight.
Next Steps in Shenzhen
Rankireddy and Shetty move forward to the semifinal fixtures of the China Masters Super 750, continuing their pursuit of another top-tier BWF World Tour title on the circuit.
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