Rexy Mainaky during one of the training sessions at the Academy Badminton Malaysia in Bukit Kiara. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: If it ain't broke, don't fix it!
This is national coaching director Rexy Mainaky's sentiment following the Badminton World Federation's (BWF) move to change the current 21-point scoring system to 15 points.
In fact, he questioned the necessity behind the experiment.
The Indonesian-born coach believes that as the sport’s governing body, BWF should focus on more pressing matters, such as player's welfare, rather than implementing the system if the goal was to elevate badminton’s prestige.
"I don’t mind that for now, let BWF handle it. So far, changes have been a good thing. They started with seven points, then 11, and now 21.
"But all they think about is changing the scoring system. It’s not about making the game better in the long run. When I see them doing that, I don’t even bother reading anymore," said Rexy.
BWF plan to implement the 15-point scoring system on a trial basis for six months, covering several tournaments, including Grade three events such as International Challenge, International Series and Future Series competitions.
BWF explained that this system change would make the game more exciting, faster-paced, and more dynamic.
Additionally, it will improve scheduling and provide benefits to players' health and longevity.
However, Rexy feels the current scoring system is already effective and sees no relevance in switching to 15 points merely to attract more viewers.
"But what’s the real change? They say it’s because of TV ratings and attract more viewers. That’s not the issue. Tennis matches last six, even ten hours, and people still stay and watch.
"I don’t even need to say it (the other things BWF should focus on), they already know. So if you ask me about the scoring system, I have no comment. I just don’t see the point of constantly changing it," he added.
