Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – In a stunning upset at the Malaysia Open 2026, India's Ayush Shetty defeated local favorite and Paris 2024 Olympics bronze medalist, Lee Zii Jia. The 20-year-old Shetty, currently ranked 32nd in men's singles, showcased remarkable composure and skill to overcome the former world No. 2 with a score of 21-12, 21-17 in just 39 minutes. This victory marks Shetty's first win at a Super 1000 event and underscores his growing reputation as a rising star in international badminton.
Shetty dominated the match with aggressive backcourt play and deep smashes, dismantling Lee Zii Jia's defense. In the first game, Shetty raced to an 11-7 lead and continued to pressure Lee. Despite a brief comeback attempt from Lee in the second game, Shetty maintained his composure, unleashing lethal smashes and utilizing effective net play to seal the match. Lee, who was returning to competitive badminton after a three-month rehab due to an injury-hit 2025, appeared to lack match sharpness. He hasn't played since retiring hurt from his first-round match at the China Masters last September. Lee had expedited his return to improve his world ranking for the LA 2028 Olympics qualification.
Meanwhile, Lakshya Sen also advanced to the second round after a hard-fought victory against Singapore's Jia Heng Jason Teh. Sen, the Australian Open 2025 champion and Paris Olympics semi-finalist, overcame Teh with a score of 21-16, 15-21, 21-14 in a thrilling match that lasted 70 minutes. After dominating the opening game, Sen lost momentum in the second, but regained his rhythm in the decider to secure the win. Sen, currently ranked World No. 13, will face Lee Cheuk Yiu of Hong Kong in the next round.
In women's singles, Malvika Bansod, making her return after a six-month layoff due to a knee injury, faced an early exit. She lost to seventh seed and former world champion Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand with a score of 21-11, 21-11. Additionally, the men's doubles pair of M.R. Arjun and A. Hariharan were defeated by Japan's Hiroki Midorikawa and Kyohei Yamashita.
Ayush Shetty is set to face a tough challenge in the next round against China's Shi Yu Qi, the reigning world champion and top seed. Lakshya Sen could potentially face Shetty in the quarter-finals, should both players advance. Sen's victory marks a positive start to the season as he aims to build on his strong finish from last year, including winning the Australian Open Super 500.
Shetty's win over Lee Zii Jia marks a significant milestone in his career, highlighting his potential as a serious contender in Indian men's singles. His performance, combined with Sen's advancement, makes for an encouraging start for the Indian contingent at the Malaysia Open 2026.
