The Indian duo of Randkireddy and Chirag were blown out in straight games by Marcus Gideon and Kevin Sukamuljo aka 'Minions' , 13-21, 12-21.
Follow Us
After pulling out an impressive win against the World No. 3 Chinese Taipei pair of Lee Yang and Wang Chi-Lin, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty currently World No. 10 met with the World No. 1 pair Marcus Fernaldi Gideon and Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo aka ‘The Minions’ from Indonesia. The Indian pair were looking to continue their winning momentum. But they were drawn in the ‘Group of Death’ with formidable opponents like the Minions.
Satwik-Chirag were hoping to create more magic on the courts of the Musashino Forest Sports Plaza. Riding on the high of having won their debut Olympics match against the World No. 3 Chinese Taipei pair, 16-21, 21-16, 25-27 in a nail-biting affair, the 2018 CWG silver medallist pair from India were blown out in straight games by the Minions, 13-21, 12-21. Now they shall focus on their 3rd group match against the Great Britain pair of Lane Ben and Vendy Sean.
The odds were steeped heavily against the World No. 10 dynamic duo from India as they headed into the clash against the legendary World No. 1. In just 32 minutes the Indian pair succumbed to the World No. 1s in straight sets.
However, going up against the World No. 1 duo from Indonesia – The Minions, Satwik-Chirag couldn’t convert the match despite putting on a brave fight. As it is, the Minions – called so because of their diminutive frames, led the head-to-head at 8-nil against the young Indian pair.
The match lived up to its expectation as it started off with a flyer. Both the teams going at it with fast-paced rallies. Kevin Sukamuljo in particular showed why he’s arguably the most exciting player in the men’s doubles circuit. The Indians tried to stay in the match despite the point deficit and a toe injury to Chirag Shetty in the first set.
The second set seemed to start well for the Indians. They raced to a 6-3 lead before the Indonesians made an astounding comeback winning 6 straight points and led the Indians 9-7. Sukamuljo proved to be the difference between both the teams as the sensational player made unbelievable interceptions and played some astounding shots to deflate the Indian duo.
