NEW DELHI: Former world No. 1 pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty finally returned to the winner’s circle in style, scripting history with a thrilling comeback victory to claim their maiden Singapore Open crown on Sunday.The Indian duo battled back from a game down to defeat Indonesia’s Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Shohibul Fikri 18-21, 21-17, 21-16 in a gripping men’s doubles final of the BWF Super 750 tournament. The win not only ended a frustrating two-year wait for a title but also made them the first Indian pair to win the doubles title at the prestigious Singapore Open.For Satwik and Chirag, the triumph marked their ninth World Tour title and third Super 750 crown, underlining their status as one of the most successful doubles combinations Indian badminton has produced.Long wait finally endsThe Asian Games and Commonwealth Games champions had not lifted a trophy since winning the Thailand Open in 2024. Since then, they had endured a string of near-misses, finishing runners-up in four finals.That drought finally came to an end in Singapore after a week in which they showcased both resilience and quality. The victory was made even sweeter considering they had entered the final trailing 1-2 in their head-to-head record against the Indonesian pair, including a defeat at the Malaysia Open earlier this year.The Indians also arrived in the summit clash riding high on confidence after stunning reigning world champions and top seeds Kim Won Ho and Seo Seung Jae in the semifinals.Comeback built on composure and powerThe final began on an uneasy note for the Indians as Alfian and Fikri edged a closely fought opening game. Satwik and Chirag held a narrow advantage midway through the contest, but crucial errors late in the game allowed the Indonesians to seize the initiative.Facing the prospect of another painful final defeat, the Indian pair responded brilliantly.They raised their intensity in the second game, attacking with far greater purpose and dominating the rallies. Chirag’s sharp interceptions at the net combined with Satwik’s powerful smashes helped them level the match and shift the momentum.The deciding game produced the best badminton from the Indians. They surged into an early lead and maintained control despite a spirited fightback from the Indonesians. Whenever pressure mounted, Satwik’s booming smashes provided the answers as the pair moved steadily towards victory.With five match points in hand, the Indians briefly faced a delay warning from the umpire, but it mattered little. On the very next point, Alfian sent his return into the net, triggering scenes of jubilation.As the winning point was sealed, Chirag collapsed flat on the court in relief and celebration. Satwik followed with a baby-themed gesture before the pair embraced and danced on court, soaking in a victory that had been two years in the making.
