Shetty prepared to face world No.1 Xi Yuqiu in opening round

New Delhi, August 10 – Ayush Shetty, the 21‑year‑old Indian badminton hopeful, will open his World Championship journey against the tournament’s top seed, China’s Xi Yuqiu. The match pits a debutant against a player who recently defeated Shetty in the Continental Championship final.

Shetty, who earned a silver medal at the Asian Championships in Ningbo earlier this year, says the encounter will be a true test of his progress. He has focused on strengthening his defense, enhancing his fitness, and adapting his tactics to counter Xi’s aggressive style.

The Indian shuttler emphasized that while the event is being staged in India, the pressure of a debut against the world’s best is intense. Nevertheless, he is motivated by the prospect of playing before a home crowd and hopes the support will fuel his performance.

Shetty’s preparation includes intensive training sessions aimed at improving his stamina and shot selection. He remains optimistic that his recent improvements can challenge the world number one and possibly turn the tables on a previous loss.