Badminton Asia Championships: Ayush Shetty Stuns World No 7 Li Shi Feng To Advance To Round Of 16

India's Ayush Shetty stunned World No. 7 Li Shi Feng in China. He won 21-13, 21-16 at the Badminton Asia Championships in Ningbo. The result sent him into the pre-quarters after a straight-games win.

Li, a former World No. 3, started both games well. He led the early stages, using sharp attack. Ayush stayed patient and steady. He matched the pace, then raised his level as each game moved past the early phase.

In the first game, Li held a slight edge to 7-7. Ayush had already fought back from 1-4 to 4-4. From 7-7, the US Open 2025 champion took control. He pushed ahead with strong rallies to close 21-13.

The second game showed a similar shape. Li again led into the mid-game phase. Ayush kept calm and drew level many times. At 13-13, he changed the tempo. He then won six straight points and sealed the match 21-16 in 51 minutes.

Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto advance

India's top mixed doubles pair, Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto, also began well. Their opening match came on Day 1 in Ningbo. They faced Thailand's Phuwanat Horbanluekit and Benyapa Aimsaard at the Ningbo Olympic Sports Center.

Dhruv and Tanisha took the first game 21-14 with steady play. The Thai pair answered in style. They raised their speed and won the second game 21-11. The match moved into a decider with both teams looking for control.

In the final game, the Indian pair regained early rhythm. They cut down errors and attacked the mid-court. That shift helped them stay in front. Dhruv and Tanisha finished strong, taking the decider 21-15 to reach the Round of 16.

Challenging mixed doubles draw for India

Dhruv and Tanisha next face Malaysia's Cheng Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei. The Malaysian pair lead their head-to-head 2-0. The upcoming match will test the Indian duo, as the rivals already have success against them on the tour.

Other Indian mixed doubles pairs ended their runs early. Ashith Surya and Amrutha Pramuthesh lost to Malaysia's Wong Tien Ci and Lim Chiew Sien. Rohan Kapoor and Gadde Ruthvika Shivani exited against eighth seeds Goh Soon Huat and Lai Shevon Jemie.