All eyes were on Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/ Chirag Shetty in their attempt to win another YONEX SUNRISE India Open, however, the world champions Kang/ Seo were able to find a way under the pressure.
The excited crowd in New Delhi cheered with high expectations as the Indian pair, who took the title on home soil two years ago, looked determined to repeat the success for their fans once again.
Rankireddy/ Shetty were composed in the opening game, taking initiative in the rallies and secured the opener 21-15. The Koreans needed to give a response and they did just that with a bright start to the second game, showcasing their defensive stability to force a deciding game.
A frustrated Indian pair attempted to up the tempo with their coach Mathias Boe telling them, “We need to start playing like we are in a final”. Despite their best efforts to swing the momentum, catching up to Kang/ Seo late in the third game, they came up just short, 15-21, 21-11, 21-18.
Incredibly, this Super 750 title win is the biggest win on the World Tour for the reigning world champions.
The wait is over
China’s Shi Yu Qi, world number two, has been patiently waiting for a title win for 14 months. Since his Australian Open win in 2022, he has been runner up at the All England Open, Japan Masters, World Tour Finals and last week at the Malaysia Open.
This week was finally his week after a well-fought victory over Lee Cheuk Yiu, 23-21, 21-17. The tension was visible when Shi, despite being 14-6 up in the second game, allowed Lee back into the match with a 10-point swing to 14-16.
Shaking off the nerves Shi managed to get over the finishing line and the relief was visible to all.
Other finals
Tai Tzu Ying continued her good form with a dominant display in the final, defeating Chen Yu Fei, 21-16, 21-12. Back-to-back final appearances will give Tai and her many fans much promise for the year ahead.
Thailand’s Dechapol Puavaranukroh/ Sapsiree Taerattanachai kicked off their year with a big title win, defeating Jiang Zhen Bang/ Wei Ya Xin 21-16, 21-16.
Mayu Matsumoto/ Wakana Nagahara stormed to a 21-12, 21-13 victory against Zhang Shu Xian/ Zheng Yu who have had to settle for the runners-up spot two weeks in a row.
It's the first title for the former world champions since the All England Open in 2021. Are they back to their best?
For the full results, click here.