India’s Ayush Shetty produced one of the biggest upsets in BWF World Championships history, stunning defending champion and world No.1 Shi Yu Qi in a dramatic opening-round thriller in New Delhi.
Making his World Championships debut on home soil, Shetty held his nerve to defeat the top seed after a rollercoaster 73-minute battle, becoming the first player to eliminate a defending men’s singles champion in the opening round of the tournament.
The match delivered everything expected from one of the most anticipated clashes of the opening day. Shetty’s powerful attacking shots repeatedly troubled Shi, while the lanky Indian also impressed with his defence and delicate net play.
After dropping the second game, Shetty appeared to take complete control of the decider, racing into a commanding 17-5 lead. However, Shi refused to surrender.
The Chinese star gradually fought his way back into the contest as Shetty began to show signs of nerves. Shi saved four match points and moved within one point of completing an incredible comeback.
With the pressure at its peak, Shetty finally found the decisive shot, sending a flick winner into open space to seal the biggest victory of his young career.
“It’s a great feeling,” Shetty said. “A special one, I would say, on home soil, World Championships debut, against the world No.1. It couldn’t have been better.”
The Indian credited detailed tactical preparation with his coach for helping him execute his game plan against the defending champion.
Despite the dramatic finish, Shetty remained focused on what comes next.
“It gives me great confidence moving forward. But the focus right now is on the second round.”
Shi, meanwhile, remained composed despite the disappointing early exit. Having come agonisingly close to completing one of the greatest comebacks in World Championships history, the defending champion refused to make excuses.
“We had set our sights on the highest possible target, which is obviously to win the title and defend the title,” Shi said.
The result ranks alongside some of the tournament’s most memorable opening-round upsets, including Loh Kean Yew’s victory over Viktor Axelsen in 2021 and Brice Leverdez’s shock win over Lee Chong Wei in 2017.
For Shetty, however, this was more than just another upset. On his World Championships debut, in front of his home crowd, he has knocked out the defending champion and world No.1.
