NEW DELHI, India — Ayush Shetty and PV Sindhu advanced to the pre-quarterfinals of the BWF World Championships 2026 with straight-game victories in New Delhi on Wednesday, while Lakshya Sen and Unnati Hooda suffered narrow defeats that ended their campaigns.
- Ayush Shetty defeated Dumindu Abeywickrama 21-8, 21-10 to reach the Round of 16.
- PV Sindhu beat Canada’s Wen Yu Zhang 21-16, 21-17 to progress.
- Lakshya Sen lost a three-game thriller to USA’s Garret Tan.
- Unnati Hooda was edged out 21-11, 9-21, 21-23 by Michelle Li.
Ayush Shetty continues impressive World Championships run
Ayush Shetty produced another commanding performance as he dispatched Sri Lanka’s Dumindu Abeywickrama in just 26 minutes. The Indian won 21-8, 21-10 to move into the pre-quarterfinals.
Shetty quickly established control in the opening game, racing to an 11-3 advantage before maintaining his lead and closing out the game comfortably.
The Indian continued to dictate the second game, building another substantial advantage. Abeywickrama attempted to reduce the deficit, but Shetty remained composed and completed the straight-game victory.
Shetty’s next challenge will come against Indonesia’s Alwi Farhan in the Round of 16 on Thursday.
PV Sindhu reaches pre-quarterfinals
Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu also secured her place in the last 16 after defeating Canada’s Wen Yu Zhang 21-16, 21-17.
Zhang created periods of pressure during the contest, but Sindhu responded with experience and composure. The Indian maintained her advantage in both games and finished strongly to seal her progression.
Sindhu’s victory keeps her challenge alive as she moves into the knockout stage of the tournament in New Delhi.
Lakshya Sen suffers three-game upset
Lakshya Sen’s World Championships campaign came to an end after USA’s world No. 92 Garret Tan produced a major upset against the 14th-seeded Indian.
Sen took the opening game 21-19, but Tan responded by winning the second 21-19. The American then completed the comeback by taking the deciding game 21-17.
The contest remained closely fought, but Tan held his nerve in the final game to eliminate the Indian from the tournament.
Unnati Hooda falls agonisingly short
Unnati Hooda also bowed out after a tightly contested match against Canada’s 13th seed Michelle Li. Hooda lost the opening game 21-11 before producing a strong response in the second.
The Indian levelled the contest by winning the second game 21-9, setting up a deciding game. The final game went down to the wire, but Li eventually prevailed 23-21.
The narrow defeat ended Hooda’s campaign despite her successful recovery after losing the opening game.
Indian doubles pairs post mixed results
India also had several developments in the doubles events. Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto advanced in mixed doubles after defeating their opponents 21-11, 21-11.
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty progressed through a walkover, while Hariharan Amsakarunan and MR Arjun were eliminated after losing to South Korea’s Kang Min Hyuk and Ki Dong Ju.
India’s singles hopes remain alive
With Lakshya Sen and Unnati Hooda eliminated, Ayush Shetty and PV Sindhu are now among the Indian singles players continuing their campaigns at the World Championships.
Shetty will return to action against Alwi Farhan in the Round of 16, while Sindhu will also continue her knockout-stage challenge after overcoming Zhang in straight games.
Who did Ayush Shetty beat at the BWF World Championships?
Ayush Shetty defeated Sri Lanka’s Dumindu Abeywickrama 21-8, 21-10 in the second round to reach the pre-quarterfinals.
Why was Lakshya Sen eliminated?
Lakshya Sen was eliminated after losing to USA’s world No. 92 Garret Tan 19-21, 21-19, 21-17 in a three-game contest.
Praveen Yadav is the Founder and Content Creator of The Nation Bulletin, an independent digital news platform focused on delivering timely, reliable and meaningful news from India and around the world.
