New Delhi, August 20, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India’s Ayush Shetty’s impressive run at the BWF World Championships came to an end on Thursday as the 21-year-old shuttler lost to familiar rival Alwi Farhan of Indonesia in the pre-quarterfinals.
Shetty, who had stunned world No. 1 and defending champion Shi Yuqi in the opening round, went down 21-19, 21-11 to Farhan in a 45-minute Round of 16 contest at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.
The Indian had his opportunities in the opening game but could not capitalise on them, while Farhan took control in the second game with greater confidence and sharper execution.
“I think I had my chance in the first game. I came back well. But yeah, again, I couldn’t convert it,” Shetty said after the match.
Reflecting on the second game, Shetty said Farhan was more confident and controlled the rallies effectively.
“When I had my chances, I was not getting the lines. That made the difference. But overall, I think he was a better player today. He played with much more patience, and he was controlling the match really well,” said Shetty, who won the silver medal at the 2026 Asia Championships.
Farhan repeatedly targeted Shetty’s body and applied pressure around the net, limiting the Indian’s time and space. Shetty said his camp had prepared for the tactic but acknowledged that he was unable to execute effectively on the day.
“We were prepared. But it’s just the momentum of the game. I think definitely in the second game, he was just playing with more confidence. I was a bit, you know, not really sharp today,” he said.
Farhan now leads Shetty 5-3 in their head-to-head record. Their rivalry dates back to the 2023 Junior World Championships, where Farhan defeated Shetty in the semifinals before winning the gold, while the Indian settled for silver.
Describing Farhan as a particularly difficult opponent, Shetty praised the Indonesian’s speed, net play and variety from the rear court.
The Indian will now turn his attention to the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, which begin on September 19. With the World Championships and Asian Games both part of his preparations, Shetty said there were tactical lessons to take from the defeat.
“We were preparing for both (Worlds and Asiad). I think we are prepared. A bit of tactical changes to be done; a lot to learn from this match, definitely. Yeah, I think just forget about this match for now, you know, and focus on the Asian Games,” he said
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