BWF World Championships: 21-Year-Old Ayush Shetty stuns World No.1 Shi Yu Qi, knocks Chinese star out in first round

In a stunning round of events, India's rising star Ayush Shetty pulled off a massive upset by defeating World No.1 Shi Yuqi of China at the Indira Gandhi Arena. The 20-year-old Indian shuttler dropped a masterclass in composure and aggressive play to triumph in a thrilling three-game clash that lasted over an hour.

Ayush Shetty creates history

Shetty set the tone early in the opening game, coming out with the relentless attacking intent and razor-sharp court coverage. Targeting the lines, the young Indian kept himself calm. Shi, unable to counter Shetty's authoritative pace from the near side, conceded the first set 21-14 as the home crowd rallied behind the underdog.

ALSO READ: Badminton World Championships: PV Sindhu makes flying start, crushes Irish opponent in just 28 minutes

ALSO READ: IND vs SL, Day 3 Stumps: Rain keeps India from batting again, Sri Lanka end day 178 runs behind

Resilience from China's Shi Yuqi

The top-seeded Chinese veteran made a comeback in the second game, relying on his big-match experience to equal the clash. Getting his rhythm back to deliver drop shots and forcing errors from Shetty, Shi easily took the middle set 21-13 to push the marquee match into the high-stakes deciding third game.

Ayush Shetty displays maturity

The rubber set turned into a thrilling one, point-for-point battle, with neither player leaving a single chance to stamp authority. Showing maturity far beyond his years, Shetty held his nerve during the pressure-packed closing rallies, defending well and sealing a historic 21-19 win to dump the tournament favorite out in the Round of 64.