Ayush Shetty achieved an impressive victory over Shi Yuqi, the world number one, in a tense three-set match at the BWF World Championships. In the deciding set, Shetty demonstrated outstanding composure, winning with a score of 21-14, 13-21, 21-19, which drew enthusiastic applause from the Indian audience.
This triumph marks one of the most significant moments in Shetty's young career. In the first round against the top-ranked Chinese player, the 21-year-old Shetty displayed confident play, winning the first set 21-14. The Indian showed assurance during prolonged rallies and repeatedly forced Shi into errors.
Shi appeared frustrated as the game progressed, often showing displeasure after losing points. Meanwhile, Shetty continued to attack aggressively, effectively utilizing his overhead smashes, especially when put in uncomfortable positions. Although the Chinese star also executed spectacular attacking shots, finding gaps on Shetty's left side—which even the jumping Indian struggled to cover—Shetty maintained his cool during the intense exchange of shots at the end of the set to secure the first game.
Shi Yuqi Responds
The world number one demonstrated why he holds the top ranking in the second set, starting quickly and gaining a two-point advantage. His skillful use of drop shots disrupted Shetty's rhythm and helped him regain control of the rallies. Shetty continued to fight in long exchanges and showed several impressive winners from difficult positions. However, Shi went to the break with a slight lead and maintained it after the break, appearing much more composed than in the first set, ultimately winning the second set 21-13.
Shetty Maintains Nerves in Deciding Set
The third set began with signs of fatigue in both athletes, but Shetty landed an impressive overhead smash at 2-2, electrifying the home crowd and seemingly changing the momentum of the match in his favor. The Indian quickly secured a five-point lead by capitalizing on several errors from Shi at the net. Shetty also continued to dominate long rallies and went to the break with a convincing 11-5 lead. He then increased the gap with a brilliant run of five consecutive points. However, at 17-9, Shetty required medical attention on court, giving Shi a chance to fight back. The Chinese player capitalized on Shetty's growing fatigue, narrowing the gap to 18-14. Shetty regained serve at 19-15 and reached match point, but Shi refused to give up and reduced the deficit to 20-16. The drama intensified as Shetty looked increasingly tired and gifted Shi three consecutive points, bringing the score to 20-19. But the Indian remained calm at the most critical moment. He won the decisive final point, sealing a stunning victory 21-19 in the third set and knocking the world number one out of the BWF World Championships. For Shetty, this was a victory highlighting his emergence as one of India's brightest promising badminton players.
