BWF plan to test new scoring system from August

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KUALA LUMPUR: Badminton’s governing body yesterday said it plans to test a new scoring system from August to make matches more exciting, despite players’ opposition to the rule changes.

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) said the new system would be based on five games rather than the current three.

Each game would be played to 11 points, instead of 21, and the winner would not have to be ahead by two clear points – a requirement of the existing system.

“Following the BWF Council meeting on 30 May, it has been agreed to invite tournament hosts to trial this scoring option, starting from August,” the BWF said in a statement.

The current best-of-three format was introduced in 2006.

BWF president Poul-Erik Hoyer said the time spent completing games and matches “has somewhat compromised the level of excitement”.

The federation said it hoped to test the new system in small tournaments between August and November, but made it clear that it would consult all stakeholders and that no decision had been taken on the timing of any potential changes.

Chinese superstar Lin Dan – considered by many to be the greatest player of all time with five world, two Olympic and five all-England titles under his belt – was one of the players to voice concern, saying the changes would lead to confusion among players and fans.

“I don’t like it. I don’t think making changes like this is good for the game,” Lin told reporters in May at the Thomas and Uber Cup team championships in New Delhi.

Defending its move, the BWF said the new scoring system was aimed at creating more excitement and interest.

“If there is to be a change before the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, this would have to be decided before the Olympic qualification period starts in May 2015,” it said. — AFP