Lakshya, doubles duo end as runners-up

India’s dream of lifting two Hong Kong Open titles ended in heartbreak on Sunday, as both Lakshya Sen and the men’s doubles duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty settled for runner-up finishes at the Super 500 event.

Lakshya, chasing his first crown since last year’s Syed Modi International, was outgunned 15-21, 12-21 by China’s world No. 4 Li Shi Feng in the men’s singles final. Meanwhile, Satwik and Chirag, who came into the summit clash riding on a World Championships bronze last month, squandered a one-game lead before falling 21-19, 14-21, 17-21 to Olympic silver medallists Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang in a gripping 61-minute battle.

For Lakshya, it was a case of history repeating itself against a familiar rival. The 2021 World Championship bronze medallist had a 7-6 edge in their head-to-head, but Li has dominated in recent meetings, including at the All England and China Open. On Sunday, after a sharp 4-0 start, the Indian faltered under Li’s relentless body smashes and tight net play. Though Lakshya fought hard, unforced errors and the Chinese shuttler’s control in long rallies denied him a breakthrough.

Satwik and Chirag’s loss was equally painful, ending their unbeaten streak in Super 500 finals. The Indian pair had beaten Liang and Wang at the World Championships in Paris, but this time the Chinese were sharper in the key moments. After taking the first game with powerful smashes and precise serves, the Indians lost rhythm in the second. A disastrous 2-11 start in the decider left them chasing throughout, and despite a late surge, they couldn’t overturn the deficit.

“It’s been a good week overall, but of course you want to win the final,” Chirag admitted after the match. “Credit to them, they played better. We’ll come back stronger.”

India leaves Hong Kong with two silvers, promising signs but also reminders of the work still needed to cross the final hurdle.