Can Ayush Shetty Continue His Stunning Run at the Hong Kong Open?
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Synopsis
Ayush Shetty stuns Kodai Naraoka to reach the quarterfinals of the Hong Kong Open Super 500, sparking excitement for Indian badminton. His remarkable victory sets up an all-Indian clash with Lakshya Sen, as India's badminton elite aim for further success in the tournament.
Key Takeaways
- Ayush Shetty stunned Kodai Naraoka to reach quarterfinals.
- He displayed exceptional skill and composure.
- Upcoming match against fellow Indian Lakshya Sen adds excitement.
- Lakshya Sen returns to form after a six-month drought.
- India’s men's doubles pair also advanced confidently.
Hong Kong, Sep 11 (NationPress) In a stunning turn of events, rising Indian badminton star Ayush Shetty achieved a remarkable feat by defeating Japan's Kodai Naraoka, who is the silver medallist from the 2023 World Championships. This victory propelled him into the men's singles quarterfinals of the Hong Kong Open Super 500 on Thursday.
The talented 20-year-old from Karnataka, who previously triumphed at the U.S. Open Super 300 in June, displayed an audacious style of play that outshone the former world No. 2 in a thrilling three-game match. Ayush exhibited extraordinary composure and attacking prowess, ultimately winning with scores of 21-19, 12-21, 21-14 in a match that lasted 72 minutes.
His exceptional court coverage and precise shot-making allowed him to dominate the decisive game, marking the most significant victory of his budding career.
Ayush is now set to face his training partner Lakshya Sen in an exciting all-Indian quarterfinal, with both athletes representing the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy.
For Lakshya, this match represented a much-needed resurgence as he ended a six-month drought in reaching quarterfinals. Now ranked 20th in the world, the 23-year-old made a commendable comeback by defeating fellow Indian HS Prannoy with scores of 15-21, 21-18, 21-10.
After losing the first game, Lakshya elevated his offensive strategy, compelling Prannoy into making errors, which helped him level the match. In the final game, he overturned a 9-13 deficit, demonstrating his dominance to close the match confidently. This was Lakshya's first appearance in a BWF World Tour quarterfinal since March, revitalizing his confidence after facing injuries and inconsistency throughout the season.
India's success continued as the nationally celebrated men's doubles team of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty displayed their prowess yet again, overcoming Thailand’s Chaloempon Sukphun and Nanthakarn Teeraratsakul in a three-game battle. The world No. 9 duo, who won a bronze medal at the recent World Championships in Paris, rebounded after an initial loss in the first game, winning the next two games decisively with scores of 21-15, 21-11.
They are set to face Malaysia’s Junaidi Arif and Roy King Yap in the upcoming quarterfinals.
Point of View
It is imperative to highlight the extraordinary talent emerging from India's badminton scene. Ayush Shetty’s victory embodies determination and skill, showcasing the potential to elevate Indian badminton on the world stage. The excitement surrounding this tournament reflects the growing reputation of Indian athletes in international arenas.
NationPress
13/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Ayush Shetty defeat in the Hong Kong Open?
Ayush Shetty defeated Japan's Kodai Naraoka, the silver medallist from the 2023 World Championships.
What is the significance of Ayush Shetty's victory?
His victory marks a major milestone in his young career, propelling him into the men’s singles quarterfinals of the Hong Kong Open Super 500.
Who will Ayush Shetty face next in the tournament?
Ayush Shetty will face his training partner, Lakshya Sen, in the quarterfinals.
What was Lakshya Sen's recent performance?
Lakshya Sen ended a six-month quarterfinal drought by defeating HS Prannoy in a thrilling three-game match.
What is the current ranking of Lakshya Sen?
Lakshya Sen is currently ranked 20th in the world.
