Ayush Shetty stuns world No. 1 Shi Yu Qi in BWF debut

Indian shuttler Ayush Shetty has caused a major upset at the BWF World Championships 2026, defeating world No. 1 and defending champion Shi Yu Qi of China in his debut match. The 21-year-old from Karnataka, ranked 22nd globally, won the Round of 64 contest 21-14, 13-21, 21-19 at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi.

Shetty took the first game with aggressive smashes and net play. The Chinese star fought back to take the second game 21-13, but Shetty held his nerve in the decider, closing it out 21-19. After the match, Shetty admitted he felt nervous when his opponent mounted a comeback, but he focused on staying calm and aggressive.

Aaj Tak reports that the win avenges Shetty's loss to the same player in the final of the Asian Championships. Shetty will next face an unranked qualifier in the Round of 32.