Published: April 11, 2026 at 6:29 pm
Twenty-year old Ayush Shetty continued his giant killing streak at the Badminton Asia Championships as the next gen Indian ace defeated defending champion and World No.1 Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand 10-21, 21-19, 21-17 to reach the men’s singles final on Saturday in his debut at the event held in China.
https://x.com/IndiaSportsHub/status/2042862955570827393?s=20
Ayush became the second Indian men’s singles player to reach the final of the prestigious. Dinesh Khanna had won the men’s singles title in 1965. The doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty bagged the men’s doubles honours in 2023.
Ayush, who is ranked 25th in the singles, was assured a medal after he reached the semifinals, becoming the first Indian men’s singles player since HS Prannoy in 2018 to earn a podium finish.
While the first game wasn’t in favour of the 2023 World Junior bronze medallist, Ayush Shetty overcame his early setback to comfortably dominate the next two games without letting Vitidsarn, the Olympic silver medalist any chance for a fight back. Pics: BAI
While the first game wasn’t in favour of the 2023 World Junior bronze medallist, Ayush overcame his early setback to comfortably dominate the next two games without letting Vitidsarn, the Olympic silver medalist any chance for a fight back.
Ayush took a 12-4 lead in the second game and though Vitidsarn closed the gap at 13-11, the Indian always looked comfortable. Despite a spirited fightback that saw Vitidsarn save five game points, Ayush Shetty edged the second game to force a decider.
Ayush stuns world No. 4 Christie to storm into semifinals of Badminton Asia Championships
The third game followed a similar script with Ayush once again taking control early to lead 11-7 at the break. He then fended off another late charge from Vitidsarn to seal a memorable victory.
Ayush’s first win over Kunlavut
The victory marked Ayush’s first win in two meetings against Kunlavut and his latest high-profile scalp in a remarkable run to the Badminton Asia Championships 2026 final. Ayush’s giant-killing spree began in the opening round, where he stunned world No. 7 and reigning Asian Games champion Li Shi Feng of China.
Ayush followed it up with a composed win over Chinese Taipei’s Chi Yu Jen, ranked 20th, to book a quarterfinal berth, where he delivered another statement performance by toppling Olympian and world No. 4 Jonatan Christie of Indonesia.
I think after the first set, I played with more patience. I mean, he was really retrieving every shuttle, and I had to keep attacking. I think I played with more patience, said Ayush Shetty after the game
Ayush, the 2025 US Open champion, will take on the winner of the match between defending world champion Shi Yuqi of China and world No. 6 Chou Tien-chen of Chinese Taipei in the final.
“I think after the first set, I played with more patience. I mean, he was really retrieving every shuttle, and I had to keep attacking. I think I played with more patience,” said Ayush after the game.
“Definitely, it’s my first Asian Championship as well and reaching final, I think it feels really great. I think I’m really excited for it. I think both are really one of the best players in the world,” said Ayush about his opponents in the final.
“I think anyone would be okay. But I think playing Shu Qi would be amazing in China,” he added.
