BANGKOK: The Badminton World Federation (BWF) council’s proposal to change the game’s scoring system did not get the go-ahead yesterday.
The proposal failed to get the two-third majority required when delegates from the world governing body voted on it here yesterday on the eve of the Thomas and Uber Cup Finals
A total of 252 votes were cast, with 129 votes in favour of changing the scoring format while 123 votes went against the motion. For the scoring system to be changed, 168 votes are needed.
A related proposal to reduce on-court coaching and have time-outs was subsequently withdrawn, given its integration with the scoring-system innovation.
“Our membership has spoken and we respect its decision to retain three games to 21 points, though clearly our proposal resonated with a significant section of our membership,” said BWF president Poul-Erik Høyer.
“Many opinions were expressed from the heart today and it was obvious this was a fundamental matter which delegates deliberated thoughtfully and thoroughly – and I thank them for their diligence.”
The only proposal passed at the AGM was the new 1.15m service rule, which will come into play at the end of the year.
BA of Malaysia honorary secretary Datuk Ng Chin Chai, who was one of the delegates, said: "The majority of the top players, including from Malaysia have not experimented with the proposed 11x5 point system. Under the current format, Malaysia’s top players have done well, including at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
"With the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games qualification starting in May 2019, I prefer to not take the risk of supporting the new scoring system as our players may be uncomfortable with it and not perform well towards qualifying for the Olympics.”
Earlier, World No 1 Viktor Axelsen has urged the BWF to retain the current 21-point scoring system, when he pointed out the 11-point system would remove the physical aspect of the game.
On the new service rule that was passed, Chin Chai added: "I supported the fixed height of 1.15m for service, because if implemented accurately, it will do away with the uncertainties of using the player's last rib as height measurement and determining whether the racquet shaft and head is pointing in a downward direction."
KW: badminton, BWF, scoring system