Denmark's Axelsen unhappy with badminton rule changes

Viktor Axelsen during training earlier this month. The Dane is satisfied with how he has improved as a player since winning the world junior title.

KUALA LUMPUR: Reigning world champion Viktor Axelsen has taken a swipe at the Badminton World Federation (BWF) for changing the rules of the game.

The world No. 1 said the world body's decision to make it compulsory for the top 15 men singles players to play in at least 12 tournaments a year was not the right move.

The Dane also said the BWF's decision to introduce a new service rule at the All-England in March was "ridiculous".

The BWF's new service rule states that the whole shuttle must be not more than 1.15m from the surface of the court when it touches the server's racquet. Previously, it was fixed at 1.1m.

"It's ridiculous as far as I'm concerned. The All-England is one of the most prestigious tournaments and I really can't believe they're starting a new rule there," said Axelsen during the Perodua Malaysian Masters here.

"I personally feel that it's the worst possible time to make a rule change.There are too many tournaments in the current schedule. It'll be physically strenuous for the players and I'm sure that the fans want to see us play for many more years, said Axelsen.

He added that shuttlers will be prone to injury if we have to play in 18 to 20 tournaments a year.

"I would rather have fewer tournaments a year. It would be better to have fewer tournaments but of higher quality.But it doesn't seem like the BWF are going to change the rules anytime soon," said Axelsen.