Ayush stuns world No. 1 Yuqi in huge World Championships upset

Ayush Shetty of India plays against Shi Yu Qi of China during the Badminton World Championships in New Delhi, India, Monday, Aug. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

PETALING JAYA: India’s Ayush Shetty pulled off the biggest upset on the opening day of the World Championships in New Delhi when he stunned world No. 1 and defending champion Shi Yuqi in the first round on Monday (Aug 17).
Backed by strong home support at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Ayush kept his composure in the deciding game to overcome the Chinese ace 21-14, 13-21, 21-19.
It was Shetty’s first victory over Yuqi after three previous defeats, including one in the Asian Championships final in Ningbo in April.