Murali and Sakthivel seize Chennai Mixed Doubles crown, beat Ranjit, Chittan 15-10

Chandni Murali and Boopathy Sakthivel closed out the Mixed Doubles (Advance) final at the PRC Battleground in Chennai with a 15-10 victory over Shilpa Ranjit and Vishnu Chittan on January 25, 2026. The straight-forward scoreline reflected a match controlled by serving precision and aggressive forecourt work, as Murali and Sakthivel combined complementary skills to take the title.

Murali was the decisive finisher at the net, converting opportunities created by quick exchanges and sharp volleys. Sakthivel anchored the backcourt with consistent serves and steady court coverage, allowing Murali to press at the forecourt and close points. That division of labor - forecourt finishing paired with backcourt steadiness - proved fatal to Ranjit and Chittan’s offensive plans. Vishnu Chittan earned praise for movement and anticipation throughout the match, but his efforts were not enough to overturn the opponents’ early control and sustained service pressure.

The PRC Battleground ran January 23-26 under International Pickleball Association sanction and featured multiple age and skill divisions, signaling growing depth in competitive play across the region. The mixed doubles final highlighted how tactical specialization is taking root in Asia’s pickleball scene: players are developing distinct forecourt and backcourt roles, while events under IPA sanction are providing clearer competitive pathways for both amateur and advanced players.

For fans and local stakeholders, the result matters beyond one trophy. Murali and Sakthivel’s win showcases the rising standard of mixed doubles strategy in Chennai, where precision serving and net dominance are increasingly decisive. The presence of multiple divisions at the tournament also underlines pickleball’s widening appeal across ages and abilities, from juniors to veteran competitors, and points to sustainable grassroots growth.

On a broader level, the PRC Battleground’s IPA sanctioning and the quality of play in finals such as Murali and Sakthivel versus Ranjit and Chittan suggest that Indian and regional organizers are professionalizing events to align with international standards. That trend will likely attract more athletes, coaches, and sponsors to the circuit, while offering clearer development routes for players specializing in doubles tactics.

Murali and Sakthivel leave Chennai with a title and tactical credibility. Their victory will feed into momentum on the regional circuit and set a benchmark for mixed doubles pairings at upcoming IPA events and local tournaments across Asia.