Members of the Badminton World Federation (BWF) will talk about a new scoring system at its annual Member's Forum in New Delhi on Friday (May 23).

The current system of three first to 21 point games, was introduced in 2006.

At the weekend, the BWF Athletes' Commission met to canvass the opinion of players on three alternative scoring systems:

• Two games of 21 (current setting) and the third game to be played for 11 points (two points clear setting; decisive point at 14-all)

• Three games of 15 points (setting at 19)

• Five games of nine points (setting with two points clear; decisive point at 12-all)

"Badminton is a great sport and, as with everything else, it's continually evolving," said BWF secretary general Thomas Lund.

"There have been various developments re scoring which, as an international federation, we think the time is right to discuss with our members."

Badminton World Federation secretary general Thomas Lund addressed athletes at their Commission meeting, explaining the benefits of a new scoring system ©BWF



He added: "This session will introduce ideas around scoring and different scoring possibilities.

"It is designed to start a dialogue and consultation with our members on what we have now as a system and how this could be improved so generations to come continue enjoying badminton at its best."

Lund, who spoke to players about a possible new scoring system at the Athletes' Commission meeting, said a change would create more intensity and excitement in matches and reduce the length of time for matches.

In March 2012, Badminton England called for a review of the scoring system after matches at the Yonex All England Championships finished in the early hours of the morning on several occasions.

Athletes' Commission chairman Emma Mason has urged players to voice their views, saying an ultimate decision must be one "everybody supports" and the transition should be smooth.

Friday's Member's Forum is due to be held in New Delhi alongside the Li-Ning BWF Thomas & Uber Cup Finals.

BWF Events Committee chairman Peter Tarcala said: "There are various badminton leagues in the world with their own scoring systems...we need a uniform system [which has] more peaks [high points]."

One of the three proposed new scoring systems could be selected after "adequate testing at tournaments and feedback is considered from various stakeholders".

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