Shi Yuqi of China. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: World No. 1 Shi Yuqi of China believes the 15-point system makes things tougher on court, and could benefit younger and more agile players.
Having competed in the China Badminton Super League, which uses a 15-point system, Yuqi said the shorter format favours younger players who can deliver bursts of energy quickly on court.
"The 15-point system is actually much harder to manage tactically because the match time is compressed," said Yuqi, who got past his first round hurdle at the Malaysian Open after defeating Denmark’s Rasmus Gemke 23-21, 21-15 on Tuesday.
"I feel there is advantage for younger players because the impact and energy they deliver can widen the score quickly.
"And if you’re trailing, the margin for error is much smaller and there is less opportunity to mount a comeback."
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) will decide in April whether they will permanently switch to the 15-point system in tournaments at every level.
They had tested the viability of the format in the junior and lower-tier competitions last year, and if approved, this year’s Malaysian Open could be the final appearance of the 21-point system for a Super 1000 event on home soil.
Meanwhile, Yuqi added that the 25-second service clock for players has its pros and cons.
The new regulations state that the server needs to be ready to serve within 25 seconds, and Yuqi said different playing styles could see some advantages.
"I think there are pros and cons to it. Different playing styles have different requirements for the intervals between points.
"Under the 25-second limit, everyone will have to make an effort to adapt, and we might see some changes in players’ tactical approaches to accommodate it," he said.
At the same time, Yuqi said the hectic start to the season is something every player has to endure, and with a good support system, staying fit for a Super 1000 after New Year's is about adapting.
"Everyone is facing the exact same situation. For me personally, it’s about adapting to this type of rhythm.
"Knowing how to adjust yourself when competing is something every player needs to do. Everyone has some degree of lingering pain or injuries.
"But during that time, everyone should have a good support system and it comes down to that and our own self-recovery," he said.
The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), however, have requested a date change for the Malaysian Open to be shifted from the start of the year to either April or May from 2027 to 2030.
