India's Ayush Shetty stunned world No. 1 and defending champion Shi Yuqi 21-14, 13-21, 21-19 in the opening round of the BWF World Championships in New Delhi, producing one of the tournament's biggest upsets.
Indian badminton witnessed a landmark moment on Monday as 21-year-old Ayush Shetty defeated China's world No. 1 and defending champion Shi Yuqi in the first round of the 2026 BWF World Championships at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi. Shetty won the tense men's singles contest 21-14, 13-21, 21-19 to advance to the second round on his World Championships debut. ๎
Shetty Controls the Opening Game
Shetty began the contest with remarkable confidence against the tournament's top seed. The Indian quickly established a lead and used his attacking play, movement and net game to put Shi under pressure.
The 21-year-old maintained his advantage through the opening game and closed it 21-14. Shi, who entered the tournament as the defending champion, struggled to impose his usual rhythm as the home crowd rallied behind the Indian youngster. ๎
Shi Yuqi Fights Back
The Chinese star responded strongly in the second game. Shi increased the pace and forced Shetty into longer rallies, eventually taking the game 21-13 and levelling the match.
With the contest heading into a deciding game, the pressure shifted heavily onto Shetty. He had already lost his previous three meetings against Shi, including a straight-game defeat in the Badminton Asia Championships final in April. ๎
Indian Shuttler Holds His Nerve
Shetty produced his best badminton when the match was on the line. He built an early advantage in the deciding game and appeared firmly in control before Shi launched a late comeback.
The Indian refused to panic and continued to attack despite the mounting pressure. He eventually sealed the decider 21-19, completing a 73-minute victory that sent the defending champion out of the competition in the opening round. ๎
First Win Over World No. 1
The victory was Shetty's first against Shi Yuqi after three successive defeats. Their previous meeting in April had ended in a one-sided 21-8, 21-10 win for the Chinese player in the Badminton Asia Championships final.
Monday's result therefore marked a dramatic turnaround for Shetty, who has emerged as one of India's promising men's singles players. His silver medal at the Asian Championships had already established him as a player capable of challenging the world's leading shuttlers. ๎
Home Crowd Gives Shetty Extra Energy
Playing in front of a packed home crowd proved significant for the Indian. Shetty later credited the supporters for giving him additional energy during the difficult moments of the match.
The World Championships are being held in New Delhi from August 17 to 23, marking the return of badminton's biggest individual tournament to India after a 17-year gap. The home conditions have added further attention to India's campaign across all five disciplines. ๎
What Shetty's Victory Means
Shi Yuqi's early exit changes the men's singles draw and removes one of the tournament's strongest title contenders at the very first hurdle. It also gives Shetty significant momentum as he moves into the second round.
For Indian badminton, the win represents another important step in the rise of a young player who has already shown his ability to compete against elite opposition. Shetty will now look to build on the breakthrough victory and extend his run on home soil.
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