In the men’s singles final of the Badminton Asia Championships 2026 in Ningbo, China, India’s rising star Ayush Shetty faces off against China’s world champion and second seed Shi Yu Qi. The young Indian shuttler, who has stunned fans with his giant-killing run, started the match on the back foot.
First Game: Dominant Display by Shi Yu Qi
Shi Yu Qi controlled the opening game with precision and power, racing to a commanding 21-8 victory. Shetty looked loose and struggled to match the Chinese star’s pace and accuracy. The experienced campaigner dictated rallies, leaving the 20-year-old Indian with limited options. It was a strong statement from the home favourite.
Second Game: Shetty Shows Fight
The second game brought a noticeable shift. Shetty tightened his game, improved his court coverage, and started finding his jump smashes. As per the latest scoreboard, Shetty leads 7-2 early in the second set. This change in form signals his resilience and ability to adapt under pressure.
Expectations for a Comeback
Shetty has shown tremendous character throughout the tournament, coming back from game deficits in earlier rounds. With improved rhythm in the second set, fans hope he can stretch Shi Yu Qi and force a decider. A strong showing here could see him dominate proceedings if he maintains consistency. The match remains live on Court 1, with Indian supporters rooting for history Shetty aims to become the first Indian men’s singles champion since 1965.
Stay tuned for more live updates from this exciting final