Young Indian shuttler Ayush Shetty has been making waves in the Orleans Masters 2025, and his latest victory over Jason Gunawan has further cemented his reputation as one of India’s rising badminton stars.

Shetty showcased an attacking game style, reminiscent of former World No. 1 Kidambi Srikanth, as he defeated his Hong Kong opponent 21-17, 21-17 in straight games.

Ayush Shetty’s First Win Over Jason Gunawan

This victory marks Ayush’s first win over Gunawan, bringing their head-to-head record to 2-1 in Jason’s favor. Despite having lost to him twice before, Shetty showed remarkable composure and aggression to clinch a much-needed win. His fast-paced attacking approach kept Gunawan on the back foot throughout the match, demonstrating his growing confidence on the international circuit.

With this win, Shetty has now advanced to the quarterfinals, where he will face Rasmus Gemke of Denmark. This will be the first-ever meeting between Ayush and the Danish player, setting up an exciting encounter.

Gemke, known for his solid defense and powerful smashes, will pose a tough challenge for the young Indian. However, if Shetty can maintain his aggressive gameplay and reduce unforced errors, he has a strong chance of causing an upset.

Srikanth Kidambi’s Fighting Spirit Falls Short

While Ayush Shetty’s victory was a major highlight, Srikanth Kidambi had a bittersweet outing at the tournament. Despite showing incredible fighting spirit, he ultimately lost to his opponent 21-11, 21-17.

One of the most thrilling moments of the match came when Srikanth staged a dramatic comeback from 8-20 to 17-20, winning nine consecutive points when his opponent had match point. This streak showcased his resilience and ability to handle pressure. However, his slow start and a series of unforced errors throughout the match cost him dearly.

What’s Next for Srikanth?

With this loss, Srikanth’s campaign at the Orleans Masters comes to an end. However, fans won’t have to wait long to see him in action again, as he will now shift his focus to the Swiss Open. The former world No. 1 will be looking to bounce back and put up a strong performance in his next tournament.

Disappointment for Rohan/Ruthvika & HS Prannoy

It was a tough day for India’s doubles pair Rohan and Ruthvika, as they had to give a walkover to the Taiwanese duo Yang/Hu. The exact reason for their withdrawal is unclear, but it was an unfortunate turn of events as they had been looking in good form leading up to the match.

Meanwhile, HS Prannoy, who has been battling illness in recent weeks, made his much-anticipated comeback. Unfortunately, it didn’t last long, as he suffered a straight-game defeat (18-21, 9-21) to second-seeded Chun-Yi Lin from Taiwan. Prannoy, known for his strong comebacks, seemed to struggle with his rhythm and physical fitness, which affected his performance.

Looking Ahead

With Ayush Shetty still in the tournament, India’s hopes at the Orleans Masters 2025 remain alive. His quarterfinal clash against Rasmus Gemke will be a key test of his abilities, and a victory there could set him up for a deep run in the tournament.

For Srikanth, Prannoy, and the doubles team, the focus now shifts to upcoming tournaments, where they will look to improve their form and gain momentum.

Key Takeaways from Orleans Masters 2025 So Far:

• Ayush Shetty defeated Jason Gunawan 21-17, 21-17, earning his first win over the Hong Kong player.

• Srikanth Kidambi showed resilience but lost 21-11, 21-17 despite an incredible 9-point comeback.

• HS Prannoy’s return was short-lived as he lost to Chun-Yi Lin 18-21, 9-21.

• Rohan/Ruthvika withdrew, giving a walkover to Yang/Hu.

As the tournament progresses, Indian badminton fans will be hoping that Ayush Shetty continues his dream run and makes a strong push for the title.

Game on! 🇮🇳🏸

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