TOKYO, May 6: Badminton will have a new set of scoring rules intended to shorten matches and broaden its appeal, the game's governing body announced Saturday, despite objections from some top shuttlers.
The Congress of the International Badminton Federation voted unanimously at their annual meeting in Tokyo to adopt the new format, which will come into effect at the next tournament.
Under the new system, points will be scored by the winner of every rally, not just by a player who wins a point while serving as is the case under the current rules. There will also be no second service in doubles.
In line with these fundamental changes to the game, the IBF agreed that matches would remain best of three for both men and women but would now be the first to 21 points for everyone.
Presently, the men play up to 15 and the ladies to 11.
“It was unanimously adopted and the 21 rally-point system will be used from now on,” IBF vice president Punch Gunalan said.
“It's permanent (for the) future. The only request we had was not to change it again as soon as possible,” Gunalan said.
The IBF hopes the new system will shorten the duration of the match and make the sport more appealing to the media, in particular television.
“The time of the game is more predictable, not so long as before, that means you can be sure the game is over in 40 minutes, 20 minutes.
“That's very important for television coverage,” said Gunalan.
During the Thomas and Uber Cup team championships in Tokyo, some top players expressed strong opposition to the new scoring system “I don't like it.
“I don't understand why the IBF always tries to change the rules,” said World and Olympic champion Taufik Hidayat of Indonesia.
“Under the new format, there's not an exciting situation and spectators also do not like it. The game has become monotonous.
“Previously they tried to introduce a seven-point system.
“Why can't they stick to the same rules like tennis? Of course, sponsors and television are important, but they should also think about players,” Hidayat added.
China's Zhang Ning and Xie Xingfang, the world's top ranked women shuttlers, also criticised the changes during their defence of the Uber Cup.
“The duration of a match in the women's singles has become longer. Even if you have a weak opponent, it doesn't become shorter and you need more physical strength. I'm against it,” said world champion Xie.
Athens Olympic gold medallist Zhang agreed, saying:
“You have to keep your concentration longer and it's physically tougher, regardless of your opponent. I feel a match has become longer than before.”
The IBF, the world ruling body of the sport, had been experimented with the new scoring system for more than three months before the final vote.—AFP
