KUALA LUMPUR: The current 3×21 point scoring format is here to stay but it has drawn mixed reaction from the local badminton circle.
While some welcome the move, others want to see a scoring system of 5×11 being implemented instead.
Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) coaching director, Wong Choong Hann is relieved that the 3×21 point format will be maintained.
“I welcome the voting result — players won’t get affected because no changes have been made,” he told Bernama when contacted.
Aaron Chia, who is the partner for Soh Wooi Yik in the national men’s doubles, is also in favour of the 3×21 point system.
“I think the current scoring point is the best for now and I am happy with the decision,” he said.
National men’s single’s chief coach, Hendrawan believes that there will be other similar proposals to change the scoring system to the 5×11 format one day but he can be rest assured that his team is ready and will try to adapt should there be any changes in the future.
Para badminton ace Cheah Liek Hou’s coach, Datuk Rashid Sidek, meanwhile, does not see any problem in changing the scoring format, but not for para shuttlers though, as he feels that they much prefer and are comfortable with the current scoring system.
Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) secretary general, Datuk Kenny Goh opines that the Badminton World Federation (BWF) should conduct a trial of the 5×11 format first before it materialises in the future.
Meanwhile, Goh Soon Huat, who is Shevon Lai Jemie’s partner in the mixed doubles category, fancies the idea of the 5×11 scoring format due to his preference for a more short-speed game that reduces the game play duration and is slightly less demanding physically.
Women’s independent singles player, Soniia Cheah, feels that the 5×11 scoring system will increase the excitement and intensity of the game but every format has its pros and cons, and it all depends on how the players get accustomed to the change.
Men’s singles player Liew Daren personally wants to see a change made as he feels that the 5×11 format will suit him more.
At the 82nd Badminton World Federation annual general meeting (AGM) held virtually last Saturday, the proposal to change the scoring system from the current 3×21 to 5×11, as desired by its president Poul-Erik Hoyer Larsen, failed with 66.31 per cent for and 33.69 per cent against out of the 282 votes cast.
The proposal, mooted by the Indonesian Badminton Association and the Badminton Association of Maldives, and seconded by Badminton Asia, Badminton Korea Association and Chinese Taipei Badminton Association, fell short of the two-thirds majority required.
A similar proposal was mooted to change the scoring system in 2014 and 2018 but it failed to gain traction from BWF members. – Bernama
