PETALING JAYA: The National Under-18 Championships, which gets underway today in Ipoh, Perak, will not only be a battle among young shuttlers to be the country’s top juniors – it is also a testing ground for the new 3x15 scoring system.
The competition, which usually confirms who the best current juniors are in Malaysia, now has added significance as the Badminton World Federation (BWF) seek to trial the new points system.
It will be interesting to see how the likes of World Junior Championships silver medallists Dania Sofea Zaidi-Low Zi Yu adapt to the 3x15 format.
Dania-Zi Yu are the most prominent players in the tourney this time and are the hot favourites for the girls’ doubles title.
The rising young pair should have little trouble securing the crown regardless of the new scoring system.
Dania is also out to make it a double joy by capturing the mixed doubles title with Datu Anif Isaac.
While Dania, Zi Yu, Anif and the other players will be focusing on winning, their feedback on the new scoring system could play a role in BWF’s decision to permanently replace the current 21-points system with the 3x15 format in World Tour competitions next year.
Other involved parties including member association officials, tournament organisers, volunteers, coaches, team managers and technical officials will also be asked to complete an online survey to share their experience with the 3x15 format.
The Malaysian International Challenge from Aug 12-17 will also feature the new scoring system.
Meanwhile, the national Under-18 tourney will also offer the shuttlers a platform to prove themselves and fight for spots in the Asian Junior Championships from July 18-27 in Solo, Indonesia.
