Ayush Shetty Stuns World No. 1 Shi Yu Qi At BWF Championships

Indian shuttler Ayush Shetty delivered a career-defining performance on Monday, August 17, 2026, defeating reigning world champion Shi Yu Qi at the BWF World Championships in New Delhi. Ranked 22nd globally, the 21-year-old secured the victory with a score of 21-14, 13-21, 21-19. The intense encounter at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium lasted 73 minutes, marking Shetty's first win against the Chinese top seed after three previous career losses.

The victory represents a major turnaround for the young Indian talent who previously struggled against the world number one, including a straight-set defeat at the Badminton Asia Championships earlier this year. This opening-round upset highlights the growing competitiveness of Indian badminton on the global stage. Shetty's win was part of a successful day for the Indian contingent, which also saw strong performances from PV Sindhu and key doubles pairings in the tournament's opening round.

The win shifts the competitive landscape of the BWF World Championships as the defending champion exits early. Shetty now carries high expectations into his subsequent matches, signaling a potential deep run in the tournament. Indian fans and analysts will watch closely to see if he can maintain this intensity against lower-ranked opponents in the upcoming rounds. His performance establishes him as a serious contender to watch throughout the remainder of the New Delhi event.