In an impressive display of skill and determination, Ayush Shetty, a bronze medallist at the Junior World Championship, secured a spot in the main draw of the Yonex Sunrise Guwahati Masters Super 100 badminton tournament. Shetty’s confident performance in the qualifying rounds saw him triumph over opponents Kiran Kumar Mekala and Siddharth Pratap Singh, earning him a spot in the main draw where he is set to face compatriot Arunesh Hari.
Reflecting on his performance, Shetty acknowledged the challenges posed by the drift, particularly in the second game against Siddharth Pratap Singh. However, he expressed satisfaction with his ability to control the rallies and secure a two-game victory.
In the women’s singles category, Assam’s rising star Isharani Baruah emerged as the lone Indian qualifier. Baruah, who played a pivotal role in securing the women’s team gold for Assam in the recent National Games, navigated through tough matches to qualify. Her victories over compatriot Shriyanshi Valishetty and Indonesia’s Deswanti Nurtertiati earned her a place in the main draw, where she is set to face third seed Sung Shuo Yun of Chinese Taipei.
Baruah expressed her happiness at reaching the main draw of a Super 100 tournament, emphasizing the significance of the home support she received. “Both the matches were quite tough. But I am from Assam, and it is the first time a Super 100 event is being held here, and the support I got from my friends and well-wishers was special today.”
The qualification rounds witnessed an all-Indian dominance in men’s singles, with all eight slots taken by Indian shuttlers. As the tournament progresses to the main draw, Shetty and Baruah’s achievements add an exciting narrative to the Yonex Sunrise Guwahati Masters.
