PETALING JAYA: Badminton legend Datuk Foo Kok Keong has urged fans to get ready for potential badminton scoring system changes coming in May.
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) will decide in April whether to switch permanently to the 15-points system in tournaments at every level after testing the viability of the format in junior and lower tier competitions last year.
And if the BWF do get the approval during the annual general meeting in April, this year’s Malaysian Open which starts on Tuesday at Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil, could mark the final appearance of the familiar 21-point scoring system.
“While the rules would remain unchanged, the reduced points would likely produce shorter, faster matches and demand significant adjustment from players,”said Kok Keong.
With the possibility that fans are watching the 21-point system for the last time at a World Tour Super 1000 event on home soil, he hopes Malaysian shuttlers can rise to the occasion and deliver a memorable performance.
Malaysia have not had a finalist in the competition since Datuk Lee Chong Wei lifted the men’s singles title in 2018.
The tournament was not held in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Kok Keong himself reached the final twice in 1990 and 1991 before going down to another national great Datuk Rashid Sidek.
“During my playing days, I lost twice to Rashid in the final. Malaysian players enjoy home ground advantage but they must also play with confidence,” said Kok Keong.
“It’s very important for them to analyse their opponents games well. Coaches can only do so much. They can only guide.
“The rest is up to the players. I hope our players can do well this time.”
Despite the disappointing recent record, Malaysia do have strong title contenders in the doubles.
Hopes are high on reigning mixed doubles world champions Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei, world silver medallists Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah and 2025 men’s doubles Asian champions Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik.
In the men’s doubles, world No. 5 Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun and world No. 7 Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani are also among those who could end the wait for a home winner.
