Ayush Shetty defeats World No. 7 Li Shi Feng

April 8, 2026

Ningbo (China): Indian shuttler Ayush Shetty caused a major upset in the first round of the Badminton Asia Championships, defeating World No. 7 Li Shi Feng in straight games to advance to the second round.

Ayush defeated the fifth-seeded Chinese player 21-13, 21-16 in a 51-minute match. This was the first meeting between the two players. Ayush’s next match will be against World No. 20 Chi Yu Jen, where a win will advance him to the quarterfinals.

Has caused major upsets before
This is not the first time for World No. 25 Ayush to defeat a higher-ranked player. Last year, he defeated World No. 6 Chou Tien-chen in the US Open semifinals and then won the title by defeating Canada’s Brian Yang in the final.

Wins and Losses in Mixed Doubles
Earlier, India’s top-ranked mixed doubles pair, Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto, started their campaign with a win. They defeated Thailand’s Phuwanat Horbanluekit and Benyapa Aimsaard 21-14, 11-21, 21-15.

In other matches, Ashith Surya and Amrutha Pramuthesh lost to Malaysia’s Wong Tien Ci and Lim Chiew Sien.

Rohan Kapoor and Gadde Ruthvika Shivani were eliminated after losing 21-13, 21-19 to eighth-seeded Goh Soon Huat and Lai Shevon Jemie.

Eye on Sindhu and Lakshya Sen
In women’s singles, two-time Olympic medalist PV Sindhu will open her campaign against Malaysia’s Wong Ling Ching.

Lakshya Sen will also play a match later in the day. Meanwhile, Unnati Hooda, Malvika Bansod, and Tanvi Sharma will also begin their campaigns in women’s singles.

In men’s singles, HS Prannoy will play his first match against Nguyen Hai Dang of Vietnam.