New Delhi, August 20: Ayush Shetty’s remarkable run in the Championship came to an end on Thursday in the men’s singles Round of 16. Competing at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi, the Indian player faced Indonesia’s Alvi Farhan, who won the match with scores of 21-19, 21-11.
The first game was far more competitive than the final score suggests. Neither player could establish a significant lead early on; Farhan managed a slight advantage at the interval, leading 11-9. After the break, the Indonesian player gradually extended his lead, going up 18-14. Just when it seemed Farhan was close to winning the game, Ayush showcased his best play.
The Indian player won five consecutive points, turning the tide to lead 19-18. Despite Farhan’s appeals being denied, he maintained his composure. The Indonesian player regained the lead and clinched the first game 21-19 after an exciting finish.
The second game proved challenging for Ayush as well. Farhan quickly put pressure on the Indian player, taking a 3-1 lead and maintaining a pace that made it difficult for Ayush to recover.
Play near the net became particularly troublesome for the Indian player, as Farhan consistently targeted that area. The Indonesian’s ability to win short rallies helped him maintain his lead as the game progressed.
Farhan reached the interval with a solid 11-6 lead and continued to extend the gap. Ayush was unable to replicate his earlier comeback, and Farhan dominated the latter part of the game, winning the second game 21-11.
With this defeat, Ayush’s impressive journey in the World Championship concluded. He had made a name for himself on the biggest stage by defeating world number one and reigning champion Shi Yuqi in the early rounds. Following that, Ayush advanced to the Round of 16 by defeating Sri Lanka’s Dumindu Abeywickrama 21-8, 21-10.