NewzVille Sports Desk
Ayush Shetty of India beat Kodai Naraoka at LI-NING Hong Kong Open 2025 – just a day after the Japanese showed defending champion Viktor Axelsen the door.
After both Shetty and Naraoka won a game each, Shetty seized control in the decider with an attacking start that rattled the fifth seed.
Naraoka’s unforced errors allowed Shetty to capitalise and close out the match 19-21 21-12 21-14 in 72 minutes.
“He has a good defence so I needed to break through it, keep the attack on,” said the 20-year-old Shetty. “Starting strong in the third game was crucial, I was on the better side of the court. The hall’s a bit windy but I’m loving it here,” he said.
Shetty’s recent form has been impressive. After clinching the US Open in June, he now places himself in his first Super 500 quarterfinal – on debut at this tournament.
On Friday Shetty to face his good friend Lakshya Sen, who overcame Compatriot H.S. Prannoy 15-21 21-18 21-10.
“We are going for dinner tonight, I’m not sure we will speak about the match,” smiled Shetty.
“I played him recently at a domestic tournament and he won in three games. Hopefully, I can flip the result this time,” he said happily.
