BWF World Championships 2026: Ayush Shetty Stuns World No 1 Shi Yu Qi in Massive Upset to Reach Round of 32
Indian badminton sensation Ayush Shetty, 21, pulled off a massive upset at the BWF World Championships 2026 in New Delhi on August 17, knocking out reigning world champion and World No. 1 Shi Yu Qi in a thrilling 21-14, 13-21, 21-19 victory.
The badminton world was rocked today as Indian sensation Ayush Shetty produced a sensational performance to eliminate the men's singles World No. 1 and defending champion, Shi Yu Qi of China, at the BWF World Championships 2026. Shetty, making his debut at the prestigious tournament, showcased nerves of steel and exceptional skill to secure a memorable 21-14, 13-21, 21-19 victory in a hard-fought encounter at the Indira Gandhi Arena. BWF World Championships 2026: PV Sindhu Eases Past Sophia Noble To Storm Into Round of 32.
Ayush Shetty Beats World No 1
INCREDIBLE AYUSH 🤯
Ayush Shetty has done the unthinkable to stun the defending champion Shi Yu Qi!#Bwfworldchampionships#newdelhi2026 pic.twitter.com/qUo8pKB3Br
— BAI Media (@BAI_Media) August 17, 2026
The Round of 64 clash, which kicked off the tournament on Monday, August 17, 2026, saw the 21-year-old Indian prodigy defy expectations against his formidable opponent.
Match Details and Turning Points
From the outset, Shetty, known for his towering 1.95m (6 ft 5 in) frame and aggressive play, seized the initiative. He surprised the Chinese maestro by comfortably winning the first game 21-14, displaying a potent mix of powerful smashes and deceptive net play. Shi Yu Qi, 30, a veteran campaigner and the 2025 World Champion, regrouped in the second game, demonstrating why he holds the top spot in the world rankings. He leveled the playing field by taking the second game 21-13, forcing the match into a decisive third game.
The final game was a nail-biting affair, with both players trading blows and neither willing to concede. Shetty, spurred on by the home crowd in New Delhi, maintained his composure during crucial moments. He ultimately clinched the game 21-19, sealing one of the biggest upsets of the tournament and advancing to the Round of 32.
Player Performances and Recent Form
Ayush Shetty, currently ranked World No. 22 as of August 11, 2026, has been on a remarkable trajectory. Hailing from Karkala, Karnataka, the young Indian shuttler celebrated a significant milestone last year by winning his maiden senior title at the US Open Super 300 in June 2025. Earlier in 2026, he also secured a silver medal at the Badminton Asia Championships, where he faced Shi Yu Qi in the final, losing 8-21, 10-21. This victory over Shi Yu Qi marks his first career win against the Chinese star, having previously lost all three of their encounters. Where to Watch BWF World Championships 2026 Live Streaming and TV Telecast.
Shi Yu Qi, who turned 30 in February 2026, entered the tournament as the undisputed World No. 1 and the defending men's singles champion, having triumphed at the 2025 BWF World Championships in Paris. His 2025 and 2026 seasons have been stellar, including titles at the Malaysia Open, All England Open, Japan Open, and China Open in 2025, along with a Thomas Cup victory with the Chinese team in 2026. His early exit today is a significant blow to his title defense hopes.
What's Next?
This stunning victory sends Ayush Shetty into the Round of 32, where he will look to continue his dream run at his home World Championships. The upset has injected immense excitement into the tournament, setting the stage for more thrilling badminton action in the days to come. The BWF World Championships 2026 will run until August 23, 2026, at the Indira Gandhi Arena.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 17, 2026 07:36 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
