BWF World Championships: Shetty Stuns Defending Champion Shi Yuqi
NEW DELHI — In a sensational opening-day upset, world number one and defending champion Shi Yuqi of China was knocked out of the BWF World Championships on Monday, falling in three tight games to 21-year-old Indian star Ayush Shetty in front of an ecstatic home crowd at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.
Shetty, ranked 22nd globally and making his debut at the world showpiece, thrilled thousands of passionate spectators by battling past the top seed 21-14, 13-21, 21-19 in a high-voltage marathon lasting one hour and 13 minutes.
Home Crowd Powers Shetty past World No. 1
The 30-year-old Chinese veteran, who claimed the world crown in Paris last year, struggled to settle in early as Shetty seized control. Leveraging his towering 6-foot-5-inch (1.95m) frame, the young Indian relied on sharp court coverage, a long reach, and blistering steep smashes to surge into an 11-5 mid-game lead before comfortably wrapping up the opening game 21-14.
Shi responded with characteristic tactical poise in the second set, leveling the match by closing it out 21-13.
The deciding game delivered pure drama. Shetty powered to a massive 17-7 lead before Shi mounted a furious late-stage fightback, cutting the gap to 18-15 and pressuring the young Indian. Standing on the edge of a miraculous comeback, Shi eventually succumbed to Shetty’s final smash on match point, setting off wild celebrations inside the arena.
“The last time I won against him, but since this time the atmosphere of the stadium was also with Ayush, that made the change,” Shi reflected after the loss, acknowledging the intense home support. “Even a world number one can make mistakes.”
For Shetty, the thunderous roaring from the Delhi spectators proved vital down the stretch. “Definitely it was an energy-booster for me,” Shetty said. “The way they were standing and supporting at the end as I was getting nervy.”
Following the triumph, the 21-year-old spent time courtside taking autographs and selfies with young fans to celebrate his career-defining victory.
An Se-young and PV Sindhu Cruise to Second Round
While the men’s draw witnessed early chaos, top contenders in the women’s singles draw made smooth work of their opening fixtures.
- An Se-young (South Korea): The reigning women’s world number one returned to competitive action after recovering from a foot injury that forced her withdrawal from the Japan Open last month. An brushed past Bulgaria’s Kaloyana Nalbantova 21-14, 21-13 in 41 minutes. After breaking a 9-9 tie in game one with six consecutive points, the 2023 World Champion never looked back, stating afterward that she felt “a little bit of pain,” but stayed calm to find her rhythm.
- P.V. Sindhu (India): Continuing her momentum after capturing the Japan Open title last month, India’s star shuttler dispatched Ireland’s Sophia Noble in a dominant 21-7, 21-11 performance to comfortably reach the second round.
Results Summary (Selected Matches)
| Event | Player 1 | Player 2 | Score / Winner |
| Men’s Singles | Shi Yuqi (CHN) [1] | Ayush Shetty (IND) | 14-21, 21-13, 19-21 (Shetty wins) |
| Women’s Singles | An Se-young (KOR) [1] | Kaloyana Nalbantova (BUL) | 21-14, 21-13 (An wins) |
| Women’s Singles | P.V. Sindhu (IND) | Sophia Noble (IRL) | 21-7, 21-11 (Sindhu wins) |
