KUALA LUMPUR – The newly approved 15×3 scoring format in badminton is “killing the sport” and will force players to suffer and struggle to adapt, says former Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) high-performance director Datuk James Selvaraj.
Speaking to Scoop, James said the latest decision by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) to overhaul the scoring system has created further uncertainty in the sport, despite it already being approved for implementation in 2027.
The BWF’s decision, made at its annual general meeting in Denmark last week, replaces the current 21-point system with the 15×3 format.
According to reports, the new format will be introduced globally from January 4, 2027, following strong support from member associations, with more than 80 per cent voting in favour of the change.
James questioned the need for yet another scoring overhaul, warning that frequent changes risk destabilising the sport and placing unnecessary pressure on players.
“Now even the 21-point system is already taking time. So I do not understand why they want to go back to 15. If they do that, the game is going to finish even faster.”
He said while BWF may be targeting shorter matches for commercial and broadcast purposes, it could affect both the quality of competition and spectator experience.
“For commercial reasons, maybe it benefits viewers. But when spectators buy tickets, they expect to see a proper contest that builds excitement and lasts,” he said.
James added that the transition would be particularly challenging for players, who have only recently adapted to the 21-point system.
“It is not easy for the players. They only just adapted from 15 to 21, and now they are expected to go back to 15 again. If you are going backwards like this, it takes even more time to adjust,” he said.
He warned that the shorter format would place greater emphasis on early momentum and concentration, leaving little margin for recovery.
“The game will be very fast. You must be ready from 0–0. If you lose concentration for even a few points, the match is gone,” he said.
“If your opponent leads by three or four points, it becomes very difficult to come back. The player will suffer because there is less time to rebuild momentum.”
James also expressed sympathy for players who have raised concerns over the change, saying it would significantly alter match preparation and strategy.
“Strategy, patience, concentration—all of it changes. It is not just about scoring anymore; it is about how quickly you can adapt under pressure,” he said.
He further criticised the frequency of rule changes in badminton compared to other major sports, saying it risks undermining the sport’s stability.
“At the end of the day, the game is for the players, not for constant experimentation. It's not right for the officials to kill the sport,” he said.
“The system goes haywire for a while, and just when players adapt, it changes again. We have had 21, we had 15 before, and now we are going back to 15 again. I would not be surprised if it changes again in future.”
James stressed that although world badminton bodies may have their reasons for reform, the impact is ultimately borne by the players.
“If this continues, it is the players who will suffer,” he said.
For the record, BAM has already begun early preparations for the transition, including integrating the format into junior competitions and adjusting training structures to ensure players are ready ahead of its implementation.
At the BWF AGM held on Saturday in Horsens, the proposal to adopt the 15×3 scoring system received overwhelming support, with 198 votes in favour and 43 against.
However, the move has not been well received by several shuttlers internationally, with reports indicating dissatisfaction among top players who feel the change has come too abruptly and will disrupt match rhythm, preparation and competitive balance.
South Korea’s reigning Olympic champion An Se-young admitted she was initially surprised by the announcement and said she would need time to adjust, while Indonesia’s emerging singles player Moh Zaki Ubaidillah described the format as challenging as players must be ready from the very first point.
The change will mark the third major scoring overhaul in badminton history.
The sport initially used the 15×3 format with service exchange before moving to the 11×5 system, and later adopting the current 21×3 rally scoring format.
Other experimental systems, including 5×7 and a first-to-110 points format in junior competitions, have also been tested over the years.
The BWF previously said the new format is expected to make matches more exciting and competitive, enabling faster progression to crucial points while shortening match durations.
The world body added that reducing the number of points could improve scheduling, enhance tournament flow and provide greater consistency for broadcasters, while also supporting player recovery and reducing fatigue. - April 29, 2026
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