Indian badminton’s rising sensation Ayush Shetty continued his remarkable run on the BWF circuit with a commanding straight-game victory over former World Champion Loh Kean Yew of Singapore in the Round of 16 at the Hylo Open 2025.
The 21-year-old Ayush Shetty defeated the World No. 9 21-11, 21-11, sealing his place in the quarterfinals of a Super 500 event for the second time this season. In a display of tactical maturity and relentless precision, Ayush controlled the match from the very first rally. His ability to blend speed, anticipation, and intelligent shot-making left Loh searching for answers throughout the contest. The victory not only gave Ayush his third career win over a Top 10 player, but also marked his second victory over Loh Kean Yew, whom he had previously beaten earlier in the season.
Facing one of the circuit’s most aggressive players, Ayush was fearless. He opened the match with measured aggression, forcing Loh deep into the backcourt before capitalizing with deft net play. The Indian’s flat exchanges and counter-attacks caught Loh off guard, as he took the opening game 21-11 in just 17 minutes. The second game was a continuation of Ayush’s dominance. Loh tried to change tempo and play tighter at the net, but Ayush’s sharp interceptions and early racket preparation gave him the edge.
Every time the Singaporean attempted to mount a comeback, Ayush responded with consistency and precision, racing to an 11-6 lead at the mid-game interval before closing out the match 21-11 with a flurry of smashes down the lines.
Another step in a breakout season
This result adds to Ayush’s growing reputation as India’s most exciting young men’s singles prospect. Earlier in the tournament, he had survived a tough opening round against World Championships bronze medalist Viktor Lai, winning 21-11, 4-21, 21-18 in a tense three-game contest. That victory ensured his progression to the pre-quarterfinals, setting up the high-profile clash with Loh.
Ayush’s journey through 2025 has been defined by giant-killing performances. Before this week, he had already registered wins against 2023 World Championships silver medallist Kodai Naraoka and 2025 bronze medallist Viktor Lai. Now, with a win over 2022 World Champion Loh Kean Yew, Ayush has completed what fans have jokingly called “the World Championships medal set” having beaten each of the last three world medallists on tour.
Three Indians in the men’s singles quarterfinals
Ayush’s victory also highlights India’s strong showing in men’s singles at the Hylo Open. With Lakshya Sen and Kiran George also advancing to the quarterfinals, this marks the first time three Indian men’s singles players have reached the last eight of a BWF Super 500 tournament in 2025. The trio’s success underscores India’s growing depth in the discipline, once dominated by just one or two names.
For Ayush, however, this tournament has further solidified his credentials as a future star capable of competing at the very top level.
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Ayush will now face either Kalle Koljonen (Finland) or Nhat Nguyen (Ireland) in the quarterfinals both opponents against whom he will start as a favorite based on current form. A win there would see him reach his first-ever semifinal at the Super 500 level, an achievement that could propel him further up the BWF rankings. The performance also cements his position as one of India’s most consistent performers of the year. Known for his calm demeanor on court and analytical approach to matches, Ayush has steadily climbed the rankings in 2025, breaking into the Top 35 earlier this month.
His technical growth under the national coaching setup, coupled with exposure to top-tier tournaments, has made him one of the standout young players on tour.
Ayush’s win over Loh Kean Yew wasn’t just about statistics it symbolized a generational shift in Indian badminton. The 21-year-old’s ability to dismantle elite opposition with tactical precision and composure signals a maturing men’s singles field. With Lakshya Sen, Kiran George, and Ayush Shetty all performing consistently at international events, India’s next wave of talent looks well-equipped to carry the baton forward. As the Hylo Open enters its business end, all eyes will be on whether Ayush can extend this dream run into the semifinals.
But regardless of what comes next, his clinical 21-11, 21-11 dismantling of Loh Kean Yew will go down as one of his most dominant performances and another reminder that India’s badminton future is in capable hands.
Result: Ayush Shetty (IND) def. Loh Kean Yew (SGP) 21–11, 21–11
Next Match: QF – vs Kalle Koljonen (FIN) / Nhat Nguyen (IRL)
