Paris, Aug 1 (UNI) In a nerve-wracking quarterfinal clash at the Paris Olympics, Malaysia’s Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik pulled off a dramatic comeback to defeat India’s Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, with the final scores reading 21-13, 14-21, 16-21.
The match, which had spectators on the edge of their seats, started with Rankireddy and Shetty showcasing their formidable skills, dominating the first game 21-13. The Indian pair seemed unstoppable, their precision and power painting a picture of impending victory. But the story took a twist as Chia and Soh, seasoned competitors ranked among the top, turned the tables with relentless determination, snatching the second game 21-14.
With everything on the line, the third game unfolded into a nail-biting spectacle. The court became a battlefield of nerves and stamina as Chia and Soh unleashed their full potential.
In a high-stakes decider, they held their nerve and outlasted the Indian duo, clinching the final game 21-16 in a breathtaking finish. This victory was not only a testament to their resilience but also their first win in four encounters against Rankireddy and Shetty.
As Chia and Soh celebrate their hard-fought victory, they now look ahead to the semifinals where they will face the formidable top seeds Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang from China.
The Indian pair, despite their heart-wrenching defeat, have left a mark with their impressive run, including a memorable win over Chia and Soh in the Asian Games semifinals last year. The stage is set for a riveting semifinal as Chia and Soh aim to build on their momentum.
Meanwhile, Rankireddy and Shetty will regroup, readying themselves for future battles. As the drama of the Paris 2024 Olympics continues to unfold, one thing is certain: the competition is far from over.
