The 20-year-old from Karnataka, who won the U.S. Open Super 300 in June, showcased his fearless brand of badminton to outplay the former world No. 2 in a gripping three-game contest. Ayush fought with remarkable composure and attacking flair to prevail 21-19, 12-21, 21-14 in a 72-minute thriller.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The youngster\u2019s superior court coverage and sharp shot-making helped him take control of the decider, sealing the biggest win of his fledgling career.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ayush now sets up a tantalising all-Indian quarterfinal against his training partner Lakshya Sen, both hailing from the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
For Lakshya, it marked a welcome return to form as he ended a six-month quarterfinal drought. Ranked 20th in the world, the 23-year-old scripted a spirited comeback to beat compatriot HS Prannoy 15-21, 21-18, 21-10.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
After dropping the opening game, Lakshya tightened his attacking play and forced errors from Prannoy to level the contest. In the decider, he turned the tide from 9-13 down, reeling off points with authority to close the match in dominant fashion. It was Lakshya\u2019s first BWF World Tour quarterfinal appearance since March, reviving his confidence after a difficult season with injuries and inconsistency.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
For Lakshya, it marked a welcome return to form as he ended a six-month quarterfinal drought. Ranked 20th in the world, the 23-year-old scripted a spirited comeback to beat compatriot HS Prannoy 15-21, 21-18, 21-10.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
They will next face Malaysia\u2019s Junaidi Arif and Roy King Yap in the quarterfinals.<\/p>\r\n\r\n