Indian badminton witnessed one of its most eye-catching moments of the early 2026 season as 20-year-old Ayush Shetty pulled off a stunning first-round victory over Olympic bronze medallist and home favourite Lee Zii Jia at the Malaysia Open Super 1000.
Playing with remarkable composure on one of the sport’s biggest stages, Shetty defeated the Malaysian star in straight games, 21-12, 21-17, to book his place in the Round of 16 and register his first-ever win at a Super 1000 event.
For Ayush, this was more than just an upset on paper. It was a performance that showcased his growing maturity, tactical discipline, and ability to handle pressure in a hostile environment. Taking on Lee Zii Jia in Kuala Lumpur, with the crowd firmly behind the former world No. 2, was a daunting task for any young player. Yet, from the opening rally, Shetty looked unfazed, controlling the tempo and imposing his game on a visibly undercooked opponent returning from a long competitive hiatus.
The first game was a clear demonstration of Shetty’s intent. He moved fluently around the court, played with depth, and kept Lee pinned in the backcourt with well-directed clears and steep smashes. Lee struggled to find rhythm, committing uncharacteristic errors, while Shetty capitalised ruthlessly, racing to a commanding 21-12 win. The scoreline reflected not just Lee’s lack of match sharpness, but also Shetty’s clarity in execution.
The second game posed a sterner test. As expected, Lee responded with greater urgency, upping the pace and attempting to drag Shetty into faster exchanges. The Malaysian closed the gap midway through the game, briefly threatening a momentum shift as the crowd came alive.
This phase was crucial, and it was here that Shetty’s calmness stood out. Instead of forcing winners, he chose higher percentage shots, extended rallies, and waited patiently for openings. That composure paid off as he regained control late in the game to close it out 21-17, sealing one of the biggest wins of his young career.
This victory sends Shetty into the Round of 16, where he is set to face China’s Shi Yu Qi, a significantly tougher challenge and an ideal benchmark for the Indian youngster. Regardless of the outcome, reaching this stage at a Super 1000 tournament already marks a major step forward in his career trajectory.
The implications of this win go beyond a single match. With this result, Ayush Shetty’s live world ranking has climbed to around No. 25, placing him on the brink of a significant milestone.
If he manages to stay within the top 25, Shetty would become only the 11th Indian men’s singles player to achieve that feat in the BWF World Ranking era a notable indicator of his rapid rise through the international circuit.
For Lee Zii Jia, the loss comes in the context of a comeback phase. After a prolonged break from competition, the former world championship medallist understandably looked short of match fitness and sharpness.
His live ranking has taken a hit, dropping outside the top 100, but with appearances lined up at upcoming events, including the India Open, Lee is expected to gradually rebuild momentum. In many ways, this match served as a reminder of how unforgiving top-level badminton can be after time away from the tour.
From an Indian perspective, the result adds to an encouraging opening day at the Malaysia Open, with Lakshya Sen also progressing earlier after a hard-fought three-game win over Jason Teh. However, it is Ayush Shetty’s breakthrough moment that stands out a performance that signals the arrival of another serious contender in Indian men’s singles.
At just 20, Ayush Shetty has shown he belongs on the biggest stages. Beating a player of Lee Zii Jia’s calibre, in front of his home crowd, at a Super 1000 event, is no small feat. If this is how Shetty has chosen to begin his 2026 season, Indian badminton fans have every reason to watch his journey closely.
