Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty’s Denmark Open semi-final ends with defeat to Japanese duo | Badminton News – The Times of India

In a thrilling men’s doubles semi-final at the Denmark Open Super 750, India’s Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty lost to Japan’s Takuro Hoki and Yugo Kobayashi on Saturday.The Asian Games champions, who had recently reached the finals in both Hong Kong Super 500 and China Masters Super 750, showed resilience after losing the first game but ultimately fell short with scores of 21-23, 21-18, 16-21.The intense 68-minute match featured quick exchanges and sharp rallies, marking the end of India’s campaign at the $950,000 tournament.The world number 7 Indian pair went into the match as favorites with a head-to-head lead of 4-1 and three straight wins against the Japanese duo. However, the 2021 world champions Hoki and Kobayashi showed superior coordination and precision at crucial moments.In the opening game, the Indians took an early 4-1 lead, but unforced errors allowed the Japanese duo to take a 5-4 lead. Kobayashi’s angular shots and Hoki’s returns helped them build an 11-6 lead at the break.After the break, Satwik and Chirag improved their rhythm, narrowing the gap to 12-13 and eventually leveling the score at 14-14.The Japanese secured the first game 23-21 after saving two game points, with Chirag’s final serve hitting the net.In the second game, the Indians showed better form thanks to Chirag’s aggressive net play and strategic placement, maintaining a 16-14 lead.They successfully closed the second game 21–18, with Chirag’s cross return forcing a decisive third game.The final game started as an intense battle of angles and reflexes. Despite good line judgments from Chirag who kept the score at 5-5, mistakes gave the Japanese an 8-6 lead.The Indians briefly led 11-10 at the break, but the Japanese pair then increased their intensity, winning a 31-shot rally to take a 13-11 lead. Hoki and Kobayashi kept their momentum with steep attacks and better anticipation, extending their lead to 17-13.Despite a brief comeback attempt by the Indians to reduce the gap to 16-19, a net error from Chirag gave the Japanese four match points.Kobayashi capped off their first final appearance of the year with a precise return, finishing the match at 21–16 in the deciding match.