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

Indian shuttler Ayush Shetty produced the biggest upset of the BWF World Championships opening day in New Delhi on Monday, defeating world No. 1 and defending champion Shi Yu Qi of China 21-14, 13-21, 21-19 in a 73-minute thriller. The 21-year-old from Karnataka, playing in his maiden World Championships, led 16-5 in the decider before Shi mounted a comeback to narrow the margin to 20-19. Shetty held his nerve on his fifth match point to seal the win, which Times of India called the biggest match of the day.

Shetty had lost to Shi in straight games at the Asia Championships in April. Legendary coach Pullela Gopichand had predicted the Indian would be a threat due to his powerful smash. Earlier, PV Sindhu eased past Ireland's Sophia Noble 21-7, 21-11 in 29 minutes, needing a semifinal appearance to become the first player with six World Championships medals. India went 5-0 on day one, with doubles pairs Hariharan Amsakarunan-MR Arjun, Treesa Jolly-Gayatri Gopichand and Kavipriya Selvam-Simran Singhi also advancing.

The New Indian Express reported that Indonesia's Alwi Farhan, who could face Shetty in the round of 16, said he hopes both players can grow at the top level. Farhan beat Yoo Tae Bin 21-17, 21-12 and had earlier defeated Shi at the Singapore Open in May.