Popov brothers beat Satwik-Chirag in French Open opener
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty lost in three games to the Popov brothers in Paris, suffering a third straight first-round defeat.
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India’s Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty were knocked out of the French Open in Paris on Tuesday, losing 19-21, 21-18, 13-21 to brothers Christo Popov and Toma Junior Popov in the opening round. The 61-minute match gave the French pair their first win over the Indians in four meetings.
For fifth-seeded Satwik and Chirag, champions at the event two years ago, the result was a third consecutive first-round defeat. They recovered from losing the opening game but could not contain the Popovs in the decider.
Popovs take the early advantage
The home pair opened with a 3-0 lead and kept Satwik and Chirag under pressure. Service and return hesitations, along with unforced errors on drives, left the Indians trailing 5-11 as they tried to increase the pace against the Popovs’ defence.
Satwik and Chirag pushed back with hard mid-court drives and back-court smashes. The Popovs, however, maintained their advantage through their rotation and control at the net, holding a 13-7 lead and winning the first game 21-19.
The French brothers had made the sharper start in front of a supportive crowd. Their defensive organisation made it difficult for the Indians to establish an early rhythm.
Indians level before decisive third game
Satwik and Chirag reduced the errors that had cost them early points and took the second game 21-18. Satwik’s powerful smashes and Chirag’s tight net play helped the two-time World Championships bronze medallists draw level.
The Popovs dominated the decider, with Christo and Toma Junior racing into a 6-0 lead.
Satwik and Chirag narrowed the deficit to four points at the final change of ends, but they could not get any closer. The Popovs pulled away to win the decider 21-13 and end the Indian pair’s run in the first round.
Another early exit for Satwik and Chirag
The defeat extends a difficult sequence for the Indians: three straight first-round losses, beginning at the Asian Games. In Paris, their second-game recovery showed they could respond to the Popovs’ strong start, but the early gap in the decider proved too large to overcome.
The Popov brothers, meanwhile, advanced after securing their maiden victory over Satwik and Chirag. For the Indians, the French Open ended in the opening round despite taking the match to three games.
Source: Sportstar 羽球. This article was compiled by the iBET.news newsroom from the source report and other public information.
