India, Aug. 18 -- "I will beat Shi Yu Qi on August 17." Ayush Shetty had written this sentence on a piece of paper and every morning for the last 10 days, he would wake up and read the note. It was his way of showing his determination and belief.

But having the idea of beating a world champion on a note and executing a terrific game plan on court against a formidable opponent are two very different things. Beating the defending champion and top seed on the world's biggest stage at home requires courage, skill and last but not least, a calm demeanour.

Ayush brought all that together to create a sensational upset of Shi, 21-14, 13-21, 21-19, in front of a screaming home crowd in the first round of the BWF World Championships at the Indira...