Ayush Shetty stuns world No. 1 Shi Yu Qi at BWF World Championships

Indian shuttler Ayush Shetty defeated defending champion and world No. 1 Shi Yu Qi 21-14, 13-21, 21-19 in a thrilling first-round match at the BWF World Championships in New Delhi. The 21-year-old, ranked 22nd, had written 'I will beat Shi Yu Qi on August 17' on a note and read it every morning for 10 days to build his belief. Shetty described the win as 'special' but stressed the job is not done.

Shetty held five match points at 20-15 but Shi saved four before the Indian sealed the win with a gentle push to the back. The 73-minute contest saw Shetty take early risks and control the net, while Shi struggled with the drift. Shetty had lost to Shi twice before, including at the Asian Championships this year. Shi admitted he was surprised by Shetty's fast, attacking game.