Source:REUTERS/ Phil Noble
[Saba Sports News] The BWF announced it will trial a 15-point, 3-set system in some events, prompting heated discussions within the badminton community. Some supporters believe this reform will help reduce athlete injuries and enhance match viewability, while opponents argue that the current 21-point system is already fair and competitive enough. In response, former Malaysian badminton star Dato’ Abdul Rashid Mohamed Sidek believes this change will favor attacking players, particularly Malaysia’s top player Lee Zii Jia. Rashid stated that the 15-point system will provide a better playing field for those with slightly less endurance but excel in offense. Shorter match durations will help players recover faster and avoid the physical exhaustion and injury risks that come with prolonged high-intensity matches. In the future, we may no longer see marathon matches exceeding 90 minutes, as three sets could potentially conclude within 45 minutes. Additionally, Rashid mentioned that this change would extend the athletic careers of some older players, like two-time Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen. Frequent participation in back-to-back events is a significant challenge for the 31-year-old Axelsen. However, if match durations are reduced, his physical strain will lessen, benefiting his competitive performance.