Patumwan [Thailand], January 31 (ANI): Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty have secured a place in the final of the Thailand Open 2026 following a comeback victory against Malaysia's Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin at the Nimibutr Stadium in Thailand on Saturday.
The two-time former champions lost the opening game 19-21, with the Malaysians establishing a commanding lead from 7-all to 15-9. Despite attempts by the Indian duo to close the gap, Goh and Nur maintained their advantage to take the first game.
In the second game, both pairs contested closely, with the Indians reaching game point at 20-18. The Malaysian pair saved two game points to level the score, but Satwik and Chirag ultimately clinched the second game 22-20, forcing a deciding third game.
Having previously won the championship in 2019 and 2024, Satwik and Chirag dominated the final game, winning 21-16 to confirm their first final appearance of the season.
They will face the winner of the match between Indonesia’s Leo Rolly Carnando and Daniel Marthin and China’s He Ji Ting and Ren Xiang Yu in the title contest.
Earlier in the Round of 16, Satwik and Chirag defeated another Malaysian pair, Goonting Bryan Jeremy and Haikal Muhammad, 21-12, 21-19.
In men’s singles action, Lakshya Sen, last year’s All England Open runner-up, was eliminated by Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn. Kunlavut took an early 11-2 lead in the first game, but Lakshya responded with five consecutive points. Nevertheless, Lakshya was unable to overcome the Olympic silver medallist and lost 19-21, 16-21.