New Delhi, August 19, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India’s Ayush Shetty advanced to the third round of the BWF World Championships 2026 with a commanding straight-games victory over Sri Lanka’s Dumindu Abeywickrama at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi on Wednesday.
The 20-year-old Indian needed just 26 minutes to dispatch Abeywickrama 21-8, 21-10 and book his place in the last 16. The victory came after Shetty’s earlier impressive win over world No. 1 Shi Yu Qi.
Shetty made a flying start, racing to an 8-0 lead before taking an 11-3 advantage into the interval. His precise shot-making and quick movement kept Abeywickrama under pressure throughout the opening game.
The Indian reached game point at 20-8 and closed it out 21-8 in only 11 minutes.
Shetty maintained his intensity in the second game, refusing to allow his Sri Lankan opponent any opportunity to settle. He reached 11 points while continuing to dictate the rallies with his speed and accuracy.
Abeywickrama offered greater resistance later in the game and moved to 10 points, but Shetty remained firmly in control. He sealed the second game 21-10 after 15 minutes to secure his place in the third round.
Shetty is now the only Indian men’s singles player remaining in the tournament after 14th seed Lakshya Sen suffered a second-round defeat earlier on Wednesday.
Lakshya, a bronze medallist at the 2021 World Championships, went down to USA’s 18-year-old Garret Tan 19-21, 21-19, 21-17 in a 73-minute contest.
After losing the opening game, Tan produced a strong comeback, using effective net play and aggressive smashes to trouble Lakshya. The Indian mounted a late fightback in the decider, cutting a seven-point deficit to two at 10-12.
However, his momentum was interrupted when Tan received a medical stoppage at 17-15. The American subsequently won four of the next six points to complete the comeback.
With Lakshya’s campaign over, Shetty now carries India’s hopes in the men’s singles draw as he looks to extend his impressive run at the home World Championships.
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