Ayush Shetty stuns world No. 7 Li Shi Feng, Sindhu & Prannoy march on at Badminton Asia

India’s rising badminton sensation Ayush Shetty delivered one of the biggest upsets of the tournament, stunning World No. 7 Li Shi Feng of China at the Badminton Asia Championships on Wednesday. Former World Champion PV Sindhu and seasoned campaigner HS Prannoy also advanced to the pre-quarterfinals, keeping India’s hopes alive in both men’s and women’s singles.

Shetty, who claimed the 2025 US Open title, dominated the Chinese star 21-13, 21-16 in a tightly contested 51-minute thriller . Despite Li Shi Feng taking early leads in both games, the Indian youngster showcased remarkable composure and tactical brilliance. In the first game, Ayush clawed his way back to level at 4-4 and 7-7 before asserting dominance to seal it 21-13. The second game mirrored the pattern, with Ayush turning a 13-13 tie into six consecutive points to clinch the match 21-16. Next, he will face Chi Yu Jen of Chinese Taipei in the round of 16.

In women’s singles, PV Sindhu fought back from a first-game loss to overcome Malaysia’s Wong Ling Ching 15-21, 21-11, 21-19 in 57 minutes. The former World Champion will now lock horns with World No. 2 Wang Zhi Yi of China, in what promises to be a high-octane pre-quarterfinal clash, with both players holding a 3-3 record in past meetings.

Meanwhile, in men’s singles, HS Prannoy edged past Vietnam’s Nguyen Hai Dang 24-22, 21-12 in 47 minutes. Prannoy will face Hong Yang of China in the pre-quarterfinals, who advanced via a walkover in the opening round.

The tournament also saw early exits for Lakshya Sen, Kidambi Srikanth, Malvika Bansod, and Tanvi Sharma , highlighting the fierce competition at this continental championship.

India’s mixed bag of results on Wednesday underlined the emerging talent in the men’s circuit and the resilience of its women’s squad , setting up thrilling encounters in the coming rounds.