Ayush Shetty stuns Jonatan Christie to reach semis, Sindhu, Prannoy exit

India experienced a dramatic day at the Badminton Asia Championships in Ningbo, China , where young shuttler Ayush Shetty produced a stunning upset to reach the men’s singles semifinals , while experienced campaigners PV Sindhu and HS Prannoy e xited the tournament earlier.

The World No. 25 Indian continued his remarkable run by defeating Indonesia’s third seed and World No. 4 Jonatan Christie in straight games 23-21, 21-17 in the quarterfinals. With the victory, the 20-year-old has guaranteed India at least a bronze medal , as both losing semifinalists receive medals in the continental championship.

Ayush had earlier entered the quarterfinals after defeating Chinese Taipei’s Chi Yu Jen 21-16, 21-12 in a confident display. Using his height advantage, steep smashes, and sharp net control , the young Indian steadily built pressure and dominated crucial rallies to secure the win.

His momentum continued in the quarterfinal clash against Christie, where Ayush showed impressive composure in tight rallies. He edged the closely fought opening game 23-21 before maintaining control in the second to close out the match and move into the final four of the prestigious tournament .

While Ayush emerged as India’s standout performer, the rest of the contingent endured a disappointing outing. Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu was knocked out in the women’s singles pre-quarterfinals after losing 18-21, 8-21 to China’s Wang Zhiyi .

HS Prannoy , who had recently returned from a shoulder injury, also bowed out after a fighting effort but eventually lost 12-21, 19-21 to China’s Weng Hong Yang .

India’s campaign ended in other events as well, with Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto exiting mixed doubles, Unnati Hooda losing in women’s singles, and the pair of Priya Konjengbam and Shruti Mishra bowing out in women’s doubles.

Despite the early exits, Ayush Shetty’s sensational run has become the bright spark for India in Ningbo , as the young shuttler now prepares for a high-stakes semifinal clash in his biggest tournament breakthrough yet.