PETALING JAYA: The Badminton World Federation (BWF) will test a new scoring system in selected tournaments from April.
The world governing body announced that a new 3x15 scoring system has been endorsed by the BWF council and could replace the current 21-points system depending on the outcome of testing in competitions from April to September or October.
“At its meeting on Nov 9 2024, BWF council endorsed the 3x15 scoring system, already part of the Alternative Laws of Badminton, as the preferred scoring system to replace the current scoring system,” said the statement from BWF.
“Potentially a proposal could go forward to the BWF Annual General Meeting in April 2026 for a decision, pending the outcome of testing and stakeholder surveying this year.
“As part of their due diligence, BWF council approved a plan to practically test the 3x15 system at selected Continental Championships, Grade 3 tournaments, national and international leagues and national tournaments from approximately April to September or October 2025.”
Grade 3 tournaments include International Challenge, International Series and Future Series competitions.
BWF also went on to explain the decision to choose the 3x15 scoring system.
“Compared to the current system, 3x15 has fewer points per game which increases the probability that each point is more exciting,” said BWF.
“Compared to the current system, 3x15 gets to the end points in games faster and is the best balance of excitement as measured in each game.
“There will also be shorter matches, better scheduling and keeps fan interest and benefits players’ health and longevity. This scoring system showed the greatest probability for the lowest number of rallies compared to 5x11 and provides a more consistent length of the games.”
