Tag: Badminton World Federation (BWF)

BWF Confirms New 3×15 Scoring System Starting 2027 — What It Means for the Future of Badminton

Kuala Lumpur: The sport of badminton is set for one of its biggest structural changes in decades after the Badminton World Federation (BWF) officially approved a new scoring format to take effect from 4 January 2027. Continue reading BWF Confirms New 3×15 Scoring System Starting 2027 — What It Means for the Future of Badminton

BWF confirms a major World Tour overhaul from 2027–2030, Malaysia Open Expands to 11 Days

KUALA LUMPUR: The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has officially confirmed a sweeping overhaul of the BWF World Tour from 2027 to 2030, marking one of the most significant transformations in the modern era of badminton. Continue reading BWF confirms a major World Tour overhaul from 2027–2030, Malaysia Open Expands to 11 Days

BWF to Trial New 3×15 Scoring System with 21-Point Cap in 2025

Kuala Lumpur: The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has announced plans to trial a 3×15 rally scoring system with a 21-point cap in selected tournaments from April to September/October 2025.

The proposed scoring format, which could replace the current best-of-three, 21-point system, will be tested in Continental Championships, BWF Grade 3 tournaments (International Challenge, International Series, and Future Series), national and international leagues, and national championships before a final decision is made at the 2026 BWF Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Why is BWF Testing a New Scoring System?
During the BWF Council Meeting on November 9, 2024, the council endorsed the 3×15 (setting to 21) system as the preferred alternative, based on an extensive analysis of real match data from major badminton championships and World Tour events over the years.

BWF previously considered multiple scoring systems, including:

The current 3×21 format
2×21 format with an 11-point decider
5×11 format
However, after evaluating these options, BWF concluded that the 3×15 system provides the best balance of competitiveness, match intensity, and player sustainability.

Key Features of the 3×15 Scoring System:

  1. Best of three games, each played to 15 points
  2. Mid-game interval at 8 points
  3. If the score reaches 14-14, a player must win by 2 points
  4. Maximum cap of 21 points per game
  5. More intense and exciting points
  6. Fewer points per game increase the likelihood of closely contested rallies
  7. Faster-paced matches
  8. Matches reach decisive moments quicker, improving fan engagement
  9. Better scheduling and player longevity
  10. Shorter matches reduce physical strain, ensuring player health and career longevity
  11. More predictable match durations allow better event planning

Next Steps: Practical Testing and Stakeholder Surveys
To ensure a thorough evaluation, BWF will conduct surveys after each match, collecting feedback from players, coaches, officials, and commercial partners.

BWF has invited national federations, international tournament organizers, and national championships to participate in the trials, with responses required by February 28, 2025.

Following the testing phase and stakeholder feedback, the BWF Council will determine whether to formally propose the 3×15 system at the 2026 BWF AGM.

What’s Next for Badminton?
The potential shift in the scoring system could bring faster, more engaging matches while maintaining competitiveness and fairness. With trials set for later this year, badminton fans and players will be watching closely to see how this change impacts the game.

Stay tuned for more updates on badminton’s evolving landscape.

BWF Announces The Addition of Four New World Tour Tournaments Between 2023 – 2026

Kuala Lumpur: The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has made new changes to the total number of World Tour tournaments for the 2023-2026 period, by adding a new World Tour Super 500 tournament in each of these countries – Japan, Canada, Finland, and Australia. Here are the current BWF World Tour Super 500 events which are taking place in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand. Continue reading BWF Announces The Addition of Four New World Tour Tournaments Between 2023 – 2026

BWF Slaps Three-month Bans on Four Chinese Men’s Doubles Players

BWF slaps three-month bans on He Jiting, Tan Qiang, Liu Yuchen, and recently retired Li Junhui. (photo: Shi Tang/Getty Images)
BWF slaps three-month bans on He Jiting, Tan Qiang, Liu Yuchen, and recently retired Li Junhui. (photo: Shi Tang/Getty Images)

Kuala Lumpur: The Badminton World Federation (BWF) on Friday suspended He Jiting, Tan Qiang, Liu Yuchen, and recently retired Li Junhui from competition for three-month after they were found to have violated the BWF code of conduct over “betting wagering and irregular match results” at the 2018 Fuzhou China Open. Continue reading BWF Slaps Three-month Bans on Four Chinese Men’s Doubles Players

BWF Officially Ban Russian and Belarusian Shuttlers from BWF-Sanctioned Tournaments

Kuala Lumpur: In the statement released by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) on Feb 28, 2022, it expressed disappointment over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and said that: Continue reading BWF Officially Ban Russian and Belarusian Shuttlers from BWF-Sanctioned Tournaments

BWF Takes Stand Against Russia: Cancels All Tournaments in Russia and Belarus

Kuala Lumpur: As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continued, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) has canceled all BWF sanctioned tournaments in Russia and Belarus. Continue reading BWF Takes Stand Against Russia: Cancels All Tournaments in Russia and Belarus