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Ayush Shetty Exits Orleans Masters, Indian Hopes Rest on Quarterfinalists

Indian shuttler Ayush Shetty was eliminated from the Orleans Masters, suffering a straight-games defeat to Japan's Yudai Okimoto in the round of 16. Indian hopes now rest on several quarterfinal matches, including an all-Indian women's singles clash between Isharani Baruah and Malvika Bansod. Another women's singles contender, Tanvi Sharma, will face Japan's Natsuki Nidaira as she seeks her first quarterfinal of the year. In men's doubles, the Indian pair of Hariharan Amasakarunan and MR Arjun advanced with a solid victory.

Key Points: Orleans Masters: Shetty Out, Indian Shuttlers in Quarters

  • Ayush Shetty loses to Yudai Okimoto
  • Three all-Indian quarterfinals lined up
  • Tanvi Sharma eyes first 2026 quarterfinal
  • Men's doubles pair advances convincingly
  • Isharani Baruah faces Malvika Bansod
2 min read

Orleans Masters: Ayush Shetty bows out in round of 16

Ayush Shetty loses in Orleans Open round of 16. Indian hopes shift to women's singles & men's doubles quarterfinal matches.

"He is yet to progress beyond the second round, a finish he achieved in the Malaysian Open this year. - ESPN"

Orleans, March 20

Indian shuttler Ayush Shetty bowed out of the ongoing Orleans Open badminton tournament with a quarterfinal loss on Friday.

Shetty, 20, suffered a two-game defeat to Yudai Okimoto by 18-21, 9-21, as per ESPN.

The 2025 US Open champion is still searching for his first title of the year. He is yet to progress beyond the second round, a finish he achieved in the Malaysian Open this year, with the rest of his exits being in the first round.

However, there is still hope for India as there are three quarterfinal matches lined up further. In women's singles action, it will be a win-win situation as two compatriots, Isharani Baruah and Malvika Bansod, will be locking horns with each other. Bansod is yet to progress beyond round of 16 this year, which was her best finish attained during the Indian Open in Delhi back in January.

In the other women's singles quarterfinals, Tanvi Sharma will be battling Japan's Natsuki Nidaira. She will be aiming to seal her first quarterfinal spot in the 2026 calendar year after a string of four first-round exits.

In the men's doubles competition, the pairing of Hariharan Amasakarunan-MR Arjun will take on Indonesia's Leo Rolly Carnando-Bagas Maulana.

Bansod had made it to the quarterfinals by beating Malaysia's Wong Ling Ching by 24-22, 13-21.

The World Junior Championships silver medallist Tanvi, who registered a notable win over second seed Supanida Katethong of Thailand on Day 1, set up an all-India round of 16 clash. She defeated fellow emerging youngster Anmol Kharb in straight games, 21-14, 21-17, progressing further to the quarterfinals.

In men's doubles, Hariharan and Arjun secured a convincing victory over Scotland's Alexander Dunn and Adam Pringle. The Indian pair edged a closely fought opening game 26-24 before dominating the second 21-14, sealing the match in 35 minutes to enter the quarterfinals.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The scoreline in the second game (9-21) is worrying. Seems like he lost his rhythm completely after a close first game. Our players need better mental conditioning for these international tournaments. Hope the coaching staff is looking into this.
A
Anjali F
So exciting to see an all-India clash between Isharani Baruah and Malvika Bansod! Bittersweet, but one of our girls is guaranteed a semi-final spot. 🏸 Go Tanvi Sharma against Japan! And the men's doubles pair is looking strong too. Let's go, Team India!
D
David E
Following from the UK. Tanvi Sharma beating the 2nd seed from Thailand is a huge result! That's the kind of win that builds a career. The future looks bright for Indian women's singles if these youngsters keep pulling off upsets.
K
Karthik V
Consistency is the key. Shetty won a big title but has struggled since. Meanwhile, players like Tanvi are grinding and making steady progress. The win over Anmol Kharb, another promising player, shows her competitive spirit. Hope she carries this form.
S
Sneha F
The men's doubles victory was clinical! Winning a tight first game 26-24 and then dominating the second is how you close out matches. Hariharan and Arjun could be our next top pair. Let's support all our shuttlers - wins and losses are part of the game.

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