The Indian duo outclassed Chinese Taipei\u2019s Chang Ko-chi and Po Li-Wei 25-23, 21-16 in 48 minutes to set up a round of 16 clash with Su Ching Heng and Wu Guan Xun, another pair from Chinese Taipei.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
World No. 3 pair Rankireddy and Shetty, coming off consecutive finals at the Hong Kong Super 500 and China Masters Super 750, recovered from an early 2\u20136 deficit against Taiwan\u2019s Ko-Chi and Li-Wei in the first-ever meet between the opponents. The Taiwanese maintained a slight lead until 16\u201314, but Satwik and Chirag rallied to 19\u201317. The opener became a tight contest, with both pairs exchanging game points. A sharp net shot earned the Indians a chance to close the game, but the Taiwanese saved it with a strong smash. After several tense points \u2014 including errors on both sides \u2014 the Indians finally secured the game when their opponents hit the net.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Changing sides, Satwik and Chirag moved ahead 7\u20134, though two net errors and a powerful smash from the Taiwanese brought the game level. The next few points were shared evenly until the Indians took a one-point edge at the interval after a long Taiwanese smash. Maintaining steady pressure, they stretched the lead to 18\u201315 and wrapped up the match with two well-placed smashes, completing a composed finish.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
World No. 3 pair Rankireddy and Shetty, coming off consecutive finals at the Hong Kong Super 500 and China Masters Super 750, recovered from an early 2\u20136 deficit against Taiwan\u2019s Ko-Chi and Li-Wei in the first-ever meet between the opponents. The Taiwanese maintained a slight lead until 16\u201314, but Satwik and Chirag rallied to 19\u201317. The opener became a tight contest, with both pairs exchanging game points. A sharp net shot earned the Indians a chance to close the game, but the Taiwanese saved it with a strong smash. After several tense points \u2014 including errors on both sides \u2014 the Indians finally secured the game when their opponents hit the net.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India\u2019s singles players \u2014 Lakshya Sen, HS Prannoy, Kidambi Srikanth and Ayush Shetty \u2014 will begin their campaigns on Wednesday, aiming for deep runs in the tournament.<\/p>\r\n\r\n