Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Aug 17: August 17 is a bad day for Shi Yuqi.” That was the message coach Vimal Kumar had asked Ayush Shetty to write down while preparing for his BWF World Championships debut in Bengaluru — a reminder Vimal wanted to see every day, as often as he would look into a mirror.
On Monday, Ayush made sure those words came true.
The 21-year-old from Karkala in Karnataka announced himself on the biggest stage with a stunning first-round victory over defending champion and World No. 1 Shi Yuqi, beating the Chinese star 21-14, 13-21, 21-19 in New Delhi.
In a pulsating display of powerful smashes, exceptional defence and composure under pressure, Ayush, backed by a vocal home crowd, produced the biggest victory of his career.
It was Ayush's first victory over Shi after three successive defeats, including a painful straight-game loss in the final of the Asia Badminton Championships earlier this year.
Ayush, who idolises Viktor Axelsen, produced a complete performance, timing his powerful smashes with remarkable precision. Comfortable when playing against the drift, he repeatedly countered Shi's cross-court smashes with straight blocks before unleashing his own heavy attacking strokes.
The pattern proved hugely effective — and spectacular to watch.
Ayush has often spoken about learning composure from his idol, and that calmness was evident throughout the contest at the IGI Stadium.
The home crowd, which had turned up in decent numbers for a Monday evening, erupted as Ayush delivered a performance that underlined why he is regarded as one of India's brightest singles prospects.
Playing against the drift in the opening game, the 6-foot-4 Indian produced a masterclass in attacking badminton. His huge smashes repeatedly unsettled Shi, allowing Ayush to establish control and race towards the opening-game win.
He eventually wrapped it up 21-14, but the momentum shifted when the players changed ends.
Ayush struggled to find the required length on his cross-court clears and repeatedly sent them long, giving Shi the opening he needed to regain his rhythm. The Chinese world No. 1 seized the chance, putting together a series of points to take the second game 21-13 and force a decider.
But Ayush returned to the better end in the first half of the third game and quickly rediscovered his range. His big smashes began landing with greater consistency, and the young Indian launched a breathtaking assault.
Winner after winner flew past Shi as Ayush took charge of the decider, leaving the defending champion looking strangely ordinary.
Shi did not look like the World No. 1 on Monday.
The constant barrage of big smashes appeared to drain his confidence as Ayush controlled the exchanges and made the reigning champion look almost like a sparring partner.
The result was all the more striking given their previous encounter. In April, Shi had dismantled Ayush 21-8, 21-10, denying him the length, space and rhythm needed to mount a challenge.
On Monday, in his maiden World Championships match and with the home crowd behind him, Ayush gave Shi a taste of his own medicine - Sweet revenge.