Indian shuttler

BWF World Cships: Ayush Shetty knocks out world No. 1 Shi Yu Qi in giant-killing opener

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

By IANS News August 18, 2026 • 08:41 AM View: 269

India's Ayush Shetty staged a major upset on Day 1 of the BWF World Championships, eliminating the world no. 1 and defending champion Shi Yu Qi of China with a dramatic 21-14, 13-21, 19-21 win in the nail-biting men's singles opening round match here on Monday.

It was Ayush's first win over the world no. 1 Chinese in four meetings. Before Monday, the Indian had lost all of his three matches against the Shi, the latest being the Badminton Asia Championship final, where he was outclassed.