India’s young badminton sensation Ayush Shetty continued his impressive form as he stormed into the quarterfinals of the Macau Open, delivering a straight-game victory that showcased his rising stature in international badminton. Alongside him, the Indian mixed doubles pair of Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto also kept the national flag flying high, securing a hard-fought win to progress to the next round.
The Macau Open 2025 has become a proving ground for India’s emerging talents, with Ayush Shetty leading the charge. Displaying maturity beyond his years, Shetty showed incredible court coverage, aggressive net play, and a composed demeanor that unsettled his opponent in the Round of 16.
Ayush Shetty’s Masterclass: Quarterfinals Beckon
Ayush Shetty, seeded outside the top 10, overcame Malaysia’s Aidil Sholeh in straight games with a scoreline of 21-17, 21-14. The 20-year-old displayed great tactical variation, mixing drop shots, powerful smashes, and clever deception to keep his opponent guessing throughout the match.
His recent performances mark a significant leap in consistency and composure. With a refined game and improved physical conditioning, Shetty looks poised to break into the top tier of world badminton.
“It feels good to be in the quarterfinals. I’ve been working hard on my defense and transition, and I’m glad it’s paying off,” Shetty said after the match.
This is his second consecutive quarterfinal appearance in a BWF Super 300 tournament, signaling a potential surge in the BWF world rankings if he continues his run.
Dhruv-Tanisha Duo Shines Bright in Mixed Doubles
India’s mixed doubles hopes also received a boost as the pair of Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto showed grit and determination in their pre-quarterfinal match. The duo defeated the Indonesian pairing of Rinov Rivaldy and Pitha Haningtyas Mentari in three hard-fought games: 18-21, 21-16, 21-18.
It was a game of momentum shifts, with the Indian pair coming back strongly after dropping the first set. Their court chemistry, quick reflexes, and efficient mid-court play helped them overcome the higher-ranked Indonesian pair. Dhruv’s sharp interceptions combined with Tanisha’s agility at the net proved to be the difference.
Tanisha, who has been juggling women’s and mixed doubles assignments, looked fresh and focused. The pair will now face the Thai duo of Supak Jomkoh and Supissara Paewsampran in the quarterfinal.
India’s Performance at Macau Open 2025: Match-by-Match Update
| Category | Player/Pair | Round Reached | Opponent (Last Match) | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men’s Singles | Ayush Shetty | Quarterfinal | Aidil Sholeh (Malaysia) | 21-17, 21-14 |
| Men’s Singles | Kiran George | Round of 32 | Lu Guangzu (China) | 19-21, 14-21 |
| Women’s Singles | Ashmita Chaliha | Round of 16 | Han Yue (China) | 15-21, 17-21 |
| Mixed Doubles | Dhruv Kapila/Tanisha Crasto | Quarterfinal | Rivaldy/Mentari (Indonesia) | 18-21, 21-16, 21-18 |
| Women’s Doubles | Treesa Jolly/Gayatri Gopichand | Round of 16 | Jongkolphan/Rawinda (Thailand) | 21-14, 16-21, 18-21 |
India’s Rising Force in International Badminton
With Lakshya Sen, PV Sindhu, and HS Prannoy skipping the Macau Open to prepare for the bigger BWF Super 750 and 1000 events later this year, the onus fell on young guns like Ayush Shetty, Kiran George, and Ashmita Chaliha to carry forward India’s campaign.
Ayush, in particular, has made the most of this opportunity. Over the past year, his performances in the BWF Tour have shown steady improvement — not only in rankings but also in his adaptability across different opponents and match conditions.
His quick reflexes, ability to build rallies patiently, and fearless attitude have drawn comparisons with a young Lakshya Sen. Badminton experts believe Ayush could be India’s next big prospect in men’s singles if nurtured well with adequate exposure and guidance.
Coaches Laud Shetty’s Discipline and Work Ethic
The national coaching team, including India’s chief badminton coach Pullela Gopichand, has praised Shetty’s growth. According to insiders at the Gopichand Academy, Ayush has shown tremendous discipline in practice and has also worked intensively on his physical fitness, strength conditioning, and shot consistency.
“He listens, he learns, and he puts in the effort every single day. That combination is invaluable,” a national team coach remarked.
Spotlight on Dhruv-Tanisha: India’s Next Top Pair?
Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto have been gradually building a strong partnership on the BWF circuit. With a mix of aggression and control, the pair has now started delivering results on the bigger stage.
Their recent results suggest that with consistent match practice and strategic training, they could emerge as a top-15 pairing by the end of the year. Both players bring unique strengths — Dhruv’s backcourt domination and Tanisha’s net finesse — that could serve Indian badminton well in future team championships like the Sudirman Cup and the Asian Games.
Tournament Progression and What Lies Ahead
The Macau Open 2025, a part of the BWF Super 300 series, plays a pivotal role in providing ranking points ahead of the Olympic qualification cycle. With most top 10 seeds missing from the competition, Indian shuttlers have the chance to gather valuable points and gain international exposure.
Quarterfinal Fixtures for Indian Contingent
| Category | Indian Player/Pair | Opponent | Match Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men’s Singles | Ayush Shetty | Lu Chia-hung (Chinese Taipei) | Friday |
| Mixed Doubles | Dhruv Kapila/Tanisha Crasto | Supak/Paewsampran (Thailand) | Friday |
A win in the quarterfinals could see Ayush potentially clash with the third seed in the semifinals, which would be his toughest challenge yet in the tournament.
Global Experts Watch Ayush Closely
International badminton observers, including retired legends like Peter Gade and Taufik Hidayat, have noted Ayush’s steady rise. Some even opined that his playing style — a balance of aggression and tactical patience — is ideal for the high-intensity modern game.
“He’s one of the few young players who reads the game really well. His decision-making in crucial points is what makes him special,” one coach from Denmark noted.
Conclusion: India’s Future in Safe Hands
With Ayush Shetty and the Dhruv-Tanisha pair stepping up in the absence of senior stalwarts, the Macau Open 2025 is turning into a showcase of India’s emerging badminton prowess. Their performances are not just wins on court but symbolic of a transition happening in Indian badminton — from dependence on a few elite players to a deeper, more competitive bench strength.
As the tournament progresses into the final stages, all eyes will be on these young stars to see if they can take the next big step — into the semifinals and beyond. Regardless of the results, one thing is clear: India’s badminton future is in safe, determined, and youthful hands.
Disclaimer: This article is based on tournament coverage, official match reports, and post-match player interviews. The views expressed are for editorial and informative purposes only, without any promotional or commercial intent.
