Badminton World Federation Considers Shorter Match Format to Reduce player Strain
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - A notable shift in badminton scoring is on the horizon, with the Badminton World Federation (BWF) strongly considering a move to a 15-point 3-set system from next year, following a general meeting in April. Currently, matches are played under a 21-point 3-set format.
Under the proposed system, a tie at 14 points would trigger a deuce, but once the score reaches 20-20, the first side to score 21 points wins – eliminating further deuces. The BWF cites increasing demands on players due to the expanding World Tour calendar as the primary driver for the change.
“As the number of World Tour matches has increased recently, the burden on players participating in the competition has increased,” the BWF explained. The organization anticipates the 15-point system will maintain spectator engagement, protect player health, and accelerate the pace of play by reaching crucial scores more quickly.
China is already ahead of the curve, having implemented the 15-point system in its 2025-2026 season badminton league. This early adoption is viewed favorably by Chinese badminton officials, believing their players are gaining a competitive advantage.
notably,the potential change has sparked discussion regarding its impact on current world rankings. China’s Wang Zhiyi, currently ranked #2, is positioned to challenge world #1 Ahn Se-young of South Korea. Wang Zhiyi has already been acclimating to the new scoring system,stating in a recent interview with Chinese media,”In the first game,I even forgot about the 8-point break (return point),but now I’m getting used to it little by little. When I enter the court, I tell myself to move as quickly as possible.”
While the change requires approval at the BWF general meeting, some anticipate potential resistance from established badminton powerhouses.
