Ayush Shetty Responds Following Victory Over World No. 1 Shi Yuqi at BWF World Championships

Ayush Shetty, the rising star of Indian badminton, expressed his excitement following a remarkable victory over Shi Yu Qi, the reigning world champion and top seed, at the BWF World Championships on Monday. Shetty, who has already made history as the first Indian men's singles finalist at the Badminton Asia Championships since 1965, continues to impress with his string of high-profile wins. His latest triumph came in a thrilling first-round match, where he edged out Shi with scores of 21-14, 13-21, and 21-19.

After the match, the 21-year-old from Mangaluru described the win as "special," acknowledging the hard work and mental preparation that went into the contest. "I think I'm feeling great. It's a really special win. I'm super happy with the way I played today," Shetty remarked. He noted the intensity of the match, particularly in the final game, where he initially held a commanding lead before Shi mounted a comeback, narrowing the score to 20-19. Despite the pressure, Shetty maintained his composure to secure the victory.

Reflecting on the match, Shetty shared, "I was telling myself to calm down. I was getting a bit nervous because he was really catching up and the momentum was with him." His coach's advice to enjoy each point resonated with him, as he navigated the challenges of playing on home soil. Shetty also commented on the conditions of the court, noting that the drift was less of an issue than in practice sessions, which allowed him to execute his game plan effectively.

The enthusiastic support from the home crowd played a crucial role in Shetty's performance. "Definitely, it's an energy booster for me. The way they were standing and supporting... it gave me a lot of energy," he said, highlighting the impact of the audience on his game. Shetty emphasized his readiness for the match, both technically and mentally, and expressed his determination to continue performing at a high level.

Looking ahead, Shetty remains focused on his next opponent, acknowledging the competitive nature of men's singles badminton. "I'm not thinking much about the opponents. I think I'm focusing on the next opponent at this point," he stated. While the victory is a significant milestone, Shetty is committed to keeping his head down and preparing for the challenges that lie ahead in the tournament.