In a thrilling Malaysian Open men’s doubles finals clash, Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang of China made a spectacular comeback after losing the first set to secure victory against India’s top-ranked duo, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty. The Chinese pair displayed remarkable skills reminiscent of Indonesia’s legendary duo, ‘The Minions,’ leaving their Indian counterparts trailing in a nail-biting encounter.
The journey of Liang-Wang seems to be shaped with the goal of emulating the playing style of Gideon-Sukamuljo, and their evolution reflects the Chinese badminton decision-makers’ strategic approach to finding talent suited for a fast-paced, skillful game. Though not exact replicas, Liang-Wang showcased a style akin to ‘The Minions,’ proving to be formidable opponents for Satwik-Chirag.
Despite the final score of 9-21, 21-18, 21-17 in favor of the Chinese, the Indians held a 2-4 record against them, a notable improvement compared to their 0-11 record against ‘The Minions.’ However, the defeat marked the second time the Indian pair lost in a final due to the prowess of Liang and Wang, hindering their progress at major tournaments.
The match began with a dominating 21-9 lead for the Indians, with Satwik’s powerful smashes and quick points exploiting the advantageous side of the court. However, the resilient Chinese duo, especially Wang, made a remarkable recovery in the second set, turning the tables with strategic plays and regaining confidence.
The decider saw Satwik-Chirag taking an early 10-3 lead, but the Chinese pair staged a relentless comeback. Wang’s creative serves and Liang’s varied shot selections disrupted the Indians’ rhythm, forcing them into a defensive mode. The Indians, known for their aggressive play in the early shots of a rally, struggled to cope with the Chinese strategy.
As the Chinese pressed on, the Indians found it challenging to maintain their lead. Satwik, in particular, faced pressure and made crucial errors, allowing Liang-Wang to seize control. Despite a brief resurgence, the Indians succumbed to the Chinese duo’s well-executed reflexes and composed play in the crucial moments.
Reflecting on the match, Satwik admitted that they couldn’t bring their A-game, expressing dissatisfaction with their performance. However, he acknowledged the Chinese pair’s ability to maintain composure and apply consistent pressure, leading to the Indians making critical mistakes towards the end of the match.
Looking ahead, Satwik expressed eagerness for the next challenge, hinting at seeking revenge in front of the Indian crowd at the upcoming Delhi tournament. The Indian duo remains determined and hungry for success, ready to face their rivals again on home turf.
