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Ayush Shetty Stuns World No. 4 Christie, Secures Historic Badminton Asia Medal

Indian shuttler Ayush Shetty produced a major upset by defeating world No. 4 and Olympic medalist Jonatan Christie in straight games to reach the semi-finals of the Badminton Asia Championships. This victory guarantees Shetty a medal, making him the first Indian men's singles player since H.S. Prannoy in 2018 to achieve this feat at the continental meet. His remarkable run included a first-round victory over world No. 7 Li Shi Feng. Shetty will next face either Thailand's Kunlavut Vitidsarn or China's Weng Hongyang for a place in the final.

Key Points: Ayush Shetty Beats Jonatan Christie, Reaches Asia Badminton SF

  • Upsets world No. 4 Jonatan Christie
  • First Indian men's singles medal since 2018
  • To face Kunlavut Vitidsarn or Weng Hongyang in SF
  • Also beat world No. 7 Li Shi Feng earlier
  • Secures India's first medal at event since 2023
2 min read

Badminton Asia C'ships: Ayush Shetty stuns world No. 4 Christie to enter SF, confirms medal

Indian shuttler Ayush Shetty defeats world No. 4 Jonatan Christie to enter the Badminton Asia Championships semi-finals and confirm a historic medal.

"Ayush Shetty staged another upset at the Badminton Asia Championships as he stormed into the semi-finals. - Report"

Ningbo, April 10

Indian shuttler Ayush Shetty staged another upset at the Badminton Asia Championships as he stormed into the semi-finals after beating world No. 4 Jonatan Christie of Indonesia here at Ningbo Olympic Sports Center on Friday.

Ayush registered a 23-21, 21-17 win over Olympian and third seed Christie to become the first Indian men's singles badminton player since HS Prannoy in 2018 to secure a medal at the continental meet. This was Ayush's first win over Christie in their maiden encounter.

It will also be India's first medal at the Badminton Asia Championships since Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy's men's doubles gold in 2023.

In the semi-finals, Ayush will take on the winner of the match between Paris 2024 silver medallist Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand and Weng Hongyang.

The opening game was fiercely contested, as neither player was able to break clear Christie heading into the break with a slender 11-10 lead. After resumption, the Indonesian took control of the game, stretching his advantage to 18-15 and even earning a game point before Ayush produced a fightback and forced the contest into a tie-break.

The second game was equally hard-fought with the Indian carrying a slender 11-9 advantage into the interval before tightening his grip on the contest and closing it out to book his place in the semi-finals.

Earlier in the tournament, Ayush had stunned world No. 7 and reigning Asian Games champion Li Shi Feng in the opening round before beating Chi Yu Jen of Chinese Taipei to qualify for the quarter-finals.

Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu's campaign ended in the second round while Lakshya Sen bowed out in the opening round.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
After Sindhu and Sen's early exits, we really needed this boost. Ayush is showing incredible mental strength. The way he saved that game point in the first set was pure clutch! All the best for the semis.
R
Rohit P
First win over Christie and he makes it count for a medal! This is the kind of giant-killing run we love to see. Beating Li Shi Feng first and now Christie... he's on fire. Bas ab gold le aao bhai!
S
Sarah B
As a badminton fan, this is thrilling. But a respectful note: let's not put too much pressure on him. He's young, this is a breakout tournament. The system needs to support such talents consistently, not just celebrate one-off wins.
V
Vikram M
First men's singles medal since Prannoy in 2018! That's a long gap. Hope this inspires more youngsters to take up the sport. Our badminton depth is improving. Kudos to the coaches and support staff as well.
K
Karthik V
Semifinal against Vitidsarn or Weng will be another huge test. But the way he's playing, he can beat anyone. The confidence from these wins is priceless. Jai Hind!

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