Malaysian, Indonesian shuttlers give thumbs up for proposed 11x5 scoring format

The world body last Saturday announced it would vote in May on a proposal to change the scoring system from the current 21x3 format after the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics in July and August respectively.

Mixed doubles ace Goh Liu Ying told Stadium Astro the 11-point, best-of-five format, could be ideal for experienced players.

“11 points is short, so you could be nervous at the start. I think in this sense experienced shuttlers can handle the pressure better. Compared to 21 points, this is more interesting because the matches will be more attacking minded.”

Goh, who played the 11-point format when she featured in the Purple League, added the new scoring format would take some getting used to, if implemented.

“I know some players have their reservations on the 11x5. This is a personal opinion, of course. When the 21x3 points format was introduced, some did not agree to it. But it looked good after players knew how to handle the rhythm,” said Goh, who also used a 7x5 format when she was a junior shuttler.

All-England champion Lee Zii Jia also supported the new proposed format.

“I am quite fit for the 11-point scoring system because of my attacking game, which is quite solid. If there is a change in the scoring system, it means I will have to work on different training strategies. But it won’t take long for the top players to adapt,” he said.

Men's doubles world number two Hendra Setiawan also gave the nod for the new format.

“This will be a positive move because matches will be quicker and players will get to maintain their stamina in shorter rallies,” the Indonesian told DetikSport.

His partner, Muhammad Ahsan, who dabbled in the format in 2017, said it would suit the seniors.

“Matches are quicker and I think the gap between others will not be that far. We will adapt to it through our training programmes.”

Viktor Axelsen, meanwhile, called for the players association to be stronger to vote on big decisions like this.

“Right now everything has to go through the associations. The big decision about the scoring system is also not possible for us as players to vote,” he said.

The BWF would vote on May 22 regarding the new scoring format, with a two-thirds majority required for it to be implemented.