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Xtra Time Web Desk: Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty celebrated a triumphant return to Paris, securing their second French Open badminton crown by convincingly defeating Chinese Taipei’s Lee Jhe-Huei and Yang Po-Hsuan in the men’s doubles final on Sunday. The world No. 1 Indian pair, who had previously clinched the title in 2022 after finishing as runners-up in 2019, showcased their prowess by outclassing their opponents with a commanding 21-11, 21-17 victory in just 37 minutes.

As reigning Asian Games champions, Satwik and Chirag not only reclaimed the Super 750 tournament title but also marked their first championship win of the season. This triumph followed their notable appearances in three summit clashes throughout 2023, where they secured second place in the Malaysia Super 1000 and India Super 750 events earlier in the year, along with finishing as runners-up at the China Masters Super 750 in the preceding year.

The Indian duo's perseverance and exceptional performance in Paris underscored chief coach Pullela Gopichand’s confidence in their capabilities, reinforcing the belief that Satwik and Chirag are prime contenders for the coveted Paris Olympics gold. Their third attempt at the French Open title proved to be a charm, adding another significant chapter to their badminton journey.