Badminton
BWF World C'ships Day 1: Ayush Shetty stuns world No. 1, PV Sindhu wins -Highlights
Catch all the highlights from the first day of the BWF World Championships in New Delhi, India, on Monday.
Ayush Shetty and PV Sindhu begin their campaign at 2026 BWF World Chamionships. (Photo Credits: BAI)
India is hosting the BWF World Championships for the first time in 17 years, and it started with the preliminary round at IG Indoor Stadium in New Delhi on Monday.
There were five Indian matches on the opening day, with PV Sindhu, Ayush Shetty, Treesa/Gayatri, Hariharan/Arjun and Kavipriya/ Simran in action.
Five-time world Medalist PV Sindhu began her campaign with a comfortable win against a much lower-ranked Irish shuttler, Sophia Noble, in the women's singles round of 64.
Meanwhile, the most exciting match of the day was between Ayush Shetty and defending champion China's Shi Yu Qi in the men's singles round of 64.
As it happened:
Live Updates
- 17 Aug 2026 6:41 PM IST
Shi Yuqi starts the second half strongly with a beautiful drop shot
Game 2: Ayush Shetty 4-6 Shi Yuqi (CHN)
Shi Yuqi is trying to find his rhythm in the second game, keeping the shuttle on the net and not a deep lift, denying Ayush from playing its aggresive shots.
- 17 Aug 2026 6:35 PM IST
Early advantage for Ayush Shetty; takes the first game
Game 1: Ayush Shetty 21-14 Shi Yuqi (CHN)
- 17 Aug 2026 6:29 PM IST
Shi is trying to reduce the deficit with some great shots on net
Game 1: Ayush Shetty 16-12 Shi Yuqi (CHN)
- 17 Aug 2026 6:23 PM IST
Ayush continues his strong defensive display, forcing Shi to make errors
Game 1: Ayush Shetty 11-5 Shi Yuqi (CHN)
Ayush Shetty had a good start to the match, dominating the rallies, and didn't allow Shi to land his explosive smashes and enter the first mid game with a big lead.
- 17 Aug 2026 6:17 PM IST
Shi fails to retrieve a powerful smash from Ayush; extends his deficit
Game 1: Ayush Shetty 7-3 Shi Yuqi (CHN)
- 17 Aug 2026 6:14 PM IST
A good start for the Indian; keeping the rally going and forcing errors from Shi
Game 1: Ayush Shetty 3-0 Shi Yuqi (CHN)
- 17 Aug 2026 6:05 PM IST
Up Next: - Ayush Shetty VS Shi Yuqi (CHN)
The rising star Ayush Shetty will begin his World Championships journey with the toughest match possible, taking on the world No. 1 Shi Yuqi in the first round.
This will be the fourth meeting between the two shuttlers, and the Indian is yet to find a win against the defending champion.
- 17 Aug 2026 6:02 PM IST
PV Sindhu advances to second round with a straight-game win
Game-2: PV Sindhu 21-11 Sophia Noble (IRE)
PV Sindhu faced no challenge in her opening match of the BWF World Championships 2026 as she outclassed the inexperienced Irish Shuttler, showcasing both her aggressive and deceptive play.
- 17 Aug 2026 5:55 PM IST
A better fight from Noble in second game, forcing Sindhu to compete in net play
Game-2: PV Sindhu 11-8 Sophia Noble (IRE)
- 17 Aug 2026 5:47 PM IST
Sindhu takes the opening game without much sweat
Game 1: PV Sindhu 21-7 Sophia Noble (IRE)
Sindhu showed no mercy to the debutant, continuing her constant aggressive play and closing out the game in just 12 minutes.
She is providing her fans with an absolutely wonderful experience with a quality display.
