3 Wang Zhi Yi, who played through cramps in both legs. Meanwhile, Ayush Shetty, making his Worlds debut, fell to Indonesia’s Alwi Farhan. What’s more surprising? This was Sindhu’s first-ever loss to a Chinese player at the World Championships; a streak that lasted over 10 years. The pressure of defending her legacy? Or a changing tide in world badminton? The numbers don’t lie: Sindhu was ahead in the final game until 17-17... then Wang dug deep. For aspiring athletes, this isn’t just about results; it’s a masterclass in resilience, even in defeat.