Jonatan hits out at BWF for focusing on new format than packed schedule
Jonatan Christie of Indonesia. - AFP
PETALING JAYA: The Badminton World Federation's (BWF) plan to change the scoring system from 21 to 15 points continues to receive a lukewarm response from top players around the world.
Asian Games champion Jonatan Christie is the latest to question the move, pointing out that the real issue BWF should be addressing is the congested calendar that elite shuttlers are forced to navigate throughout the season.
Jonatan believes the current 21-point format works well and sees no need for a change.
Instead, he urged BWF to reconsider the rule that compels top players to compete in a high number of tournaments on the BWF World Tour each year, a demand that is taking a toll on their bodies.
According to BWF regulations, top players are compulsory to play all four Super 1000, six Super 750, and up to two Super 500 events.
"I don't know what BWF are thinking. I feel the 21-point system is fine, but there are just too many tournaments right now, and many players have complained about injuries due to fatigue," said Jonatan, who is competing in the ongoing Sudirman Cup.
"But as for the scoring system, I don't see any reason to change it from 21 to 15.
Several players have previously voiced their frustration over the packed tournament schedule set by the Badminton World Federation (BWF), including badminton legend Datuk Lee Chong Wei, who back in 2018 said he was even willing to pay a fine for not fulfilling the governing body's mandatory tournament commitments.
Other players who have spoken out on the issue include two-time Olympic Games champion Viktor Axelsen of Denmark and American shuttler Zhang Beiwen.
As for the proposed scoring change, newly elected BWF president Patama Leeswadtrakul is keen to press ahead, believing the 3x15 format offers a fresh experience not just for players but also for fans.
"BWF have been actively testing the 3x15 scoring system, and early findings have identified three key benefits — more exciting rallies, closer contests, and shorter match durations, which could help with tournament scheduling," said Patama.
The new system is currently being tested at lower-tier tournaments, including the National Under-18 Championships held in Ipoh, Perak, last week.
All feedback and findings from these trials will be submitted to BWF for further evaluation.
Officials from member associations, tournament organisers, volunteers, players, coaches, team managers and technical officials involved in the trials will be asked to complete an online survey to share their experience with the 3x15 format.
The data will then be reviewed at the next BWF council meeting before being presented at the 2026 annual general Meeting. Only after that will BWF decide whether to adopt the new format in place of the current 21-point system.
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