New Delhi, August 17, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India’s Ayush Shetty produced a stunning upset at the BWF World Championships on Monday, defeating defending champion and world No. 1 Shi Yu Qi of China 21-14, 13-21, 21-19 in a gripping men’s singles opening-round contest.
The victory was Shetty’s first over Shi in four meetings. The Indian had lost their previous three encounters against the Chinese star, including their latest meeting in the Badminton Asia Championships final.
Shetty began the match with confidence, racing to a 3-0 lead and maintaining control to establish an 11-5 advantage at the first-game interval. He continued to dictate the rallies after the break and closed out the opening game 21-14.
Shi responded in the second game, moving 3-1 ahead before Shetty fought back to level the score at 4-4. The contest then developed into a closely fought exchange, with the lead changing hands repeatedly. Shetty drew level at 7-7 and briefly moved ahead, but Shi managed to take a 11-9 lead into the interval.
The top seed strengthened his advantage after the change of ends, opening up a five-point cushion. Although a few wide shots allowed Shetty to pick up points, Shi remained in control and forced a decider by winning the second game 21-13.
The final game saw Shetty regain the initiative. After an even beginning, he surged ahead 6-3 and then 9-4 before taking an 11-5 lead into the interval.
The Indian extended his advantage to 14-5 after the change of ends, before moving 16-5 ahead as Shi struggled to contain his opponent’s attacking game.
Shetty still had to withstand a late fightback. A few unforced errors allowed Shi to reduce the deficit from 10 points to six and then four, but the Indian held his composure under intense pressure to reach match point at 20-15.
Shi saved four match points, but Shetty remained composed and converted the next opportunity to complete one of the biggest victories of his career.
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