KUALA LUMPUR: World No 2 Lee Chong Wei has questioned the timing of the experimental service rule change which will be tried out at the All England on March 14-18 in Birmingham.
According to the new rule, the shuttle shall be less than 1.15 metres from the court surface at the instant of being hit by the server's racket.
Chong Wei said new rules in badminton should only be tested in small tournaments instead of important ones such as the All England.
“It is tough for me to comment on the new rule as I will only be experiencing it for the first time at the All England.
“The Badminton World Federation (BWF) should have opted for small tournaments to test it.
“I will definitely have to make adjustments. If I make a mistake with my serve during the All England, I will ask the umpire on the proper way to execute it according
to the new rule,” said Chong Wei in Bukit Kiara on Friday.
Several players slammed the new service rule at the ongoing German Open. Critics say tall players will find it tough to adapt with it.
Five-time world champion Lin Dan, who is playing at the German Open, said: “I have played competitively for over 10 years and also trained for 30 years as a badminton player, and suddenly BWF want to teach everyone how to serve.
“This is just ridiculous. I lost some points in matches at the German Open because of the new rule and I am not the only one who is unhappy with it.
“What is the purpose of this new service rule? Frankly, I think BWF is trying to imitate tennis but they have failed so far.
“BWF should have had the courtesy to get feedback from shuttlers and coaches first before coming up with a new service rule,” said Lin Dan, a gold medallist at the 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Olympic Games.