Ayush Shetty to meet World No.1 Shi Yu Qi in opening round of Badminton World Championships
Ayush Shetty, making his World Championships debut, has been drawn to play World No. 1 Shi Yu Qi in the opening round of the Badminton World Championships, the report published in Hyderabad on August 10, 2026. The 21-year-old has lost all three previous meetings with Shi, including their most recent encounter in the Asian Championships final.
With the draws now sealed, Ayush has been handed what the report described as the toughest opening match among all Indian singles players and enters the tournament unseeded. “As soon as I got Shi (in the draw), I told myself that I was ready to face anyone. As I’m unseeded, I was prepared to play even the World No. 1. It’s just another match, though I’m aware that it’ll be a really tough battle,” Ayush said in an online interaction.
Ayush said he had studied their past meetings and expects a difficult contest. “Shi is a really tough opponent to play against. I remember my match against him in the Asian Championships final; he was really prepared. But I think I’ve gotten better and we’ll be better prepared this time. I really have to work hard while playing against him. I’ll have to be tactically better this time,” he said.
He referenced recent team and individual form as part of his preparation for the Worlds. “It gives me confidence that I have done well in the Thomas Cup and Asian Championships, but the World Championships is definitely higher-ranked for me and my team. It’s a good challenge, and I’m ready,” Ayush added.
This will be the second successive edition in which an Indian has faced Shi in the opening round: Lakshya Sen lost 17-21, 19-21 to Shi in last year’s first round, then avenged that defeat when they met again in the first round at the All England earlier this year. The report also noted that Shi, who will be defending his title, has been far from his best in recent weeks, a situation the article said presents an opportunity for a fully fit Ayush.
On his fitness, Ayush confirmed a recent elbow issue has cleared. “I had some pain (elbow injury) earlier, but now it’s all good. I’ll be at 100% during the Worlds,” he stated, and the report suggested that combination of Shi’s recent form and Ayush’s recovery could make the opening match competitive.
The draw sets the confirmed next step: Ayush Shetty will meet World No.1 Shi Yu Qi in the opening round of the Badminton World Championships.