THE Badminton World Federation (BWF) said yesterday it plans to test a new scoring system from August to make matches more exciting, despite players’ opposition to the rule changes.
The 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 May 30, 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. AFP
