New scoring system forces countries to change training

Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Guangzhou, China

The new scoring system of the best-of-five games, with each game lasting seven points, which has been used on a trial basis by the International Badminton Federation (IBF) since the 2001 Swiss Open, has prompted countries to alter their training programs accordingly.

"The new system requires more concentration; you can't let your guard down even for an instant or you are out," Indonesian shuttler Taufik Hidayat said during a break in a training session for the Thomas Cup here.

"With the old scoring system (best-of-three games, 15 points each) you could take it easy for stretches because there were more points available. Personally, I don't find that it is a big problem to play with the new system," said the winner of the 2001 Singapore Open, which was played using the new scoring system.

The reason behind the IBF's decision to move to a new scoring system was to boost the sport's excitement with not only spectators, but also with sponsors.

Proposed by European countries, the new system is expected to increase TV coverage of badminton tournaments because it enables more breaks during the matches for advertisements.

The new system places an emphasis on attacking shots, which require the full concentration of the athletes, especially in the doubles matches. With this scoring system, it is not impossible for an athlete to win a game with just one or two serves.

"The play has now become relatively shorter with less long rallies. While the charm of badminton lies in the long rallies, when the spectators wait to see who will make the mistake or get the point at the end of the rally," 1997 World Champion Peter Rasmussen of Denmark said.

"I think the old system of 15 points is much better than this new one. The old one was rhythmic while the new one only consists of staccatos," he said.

Coach Udom Luangchetparaporn of Thailand said he preferred the old system: "Badminton was more interesting with the old scoring system than the new one."

"The older generation may find it (the new system) strange, but I think something had to change anyway," he said.

Given its emphasis of offensive play, many defensive shuttlers understandably prefer the old scoring system. But the physical trainer for the Indonesian squad, Paulus Pasurnay, said it did not really matter which system was used, it just depended on the athletes' mental approach.

"It is a matter of being prepared psychologically and mentally. As long as they keep thinking that the new system is difficult, it will be impossible for them to win," he said.

"Look at Budi Santoso, who has a similar defensive style as Hendrawan. Budi overcame his problems and made it to the finals of the All England with the new system."

Although the new scoring system was proposed by European countries, they still have a long way to go to break the Asian domination of badminton. The majority of Grand Prix events continue to be won by Asians despite the system change.

At four Grand Prix events so far this year, only two shuttlers playing for European countries have won. Camilla Martin of Denmark took the All England crown, while Indonesian-born Mia Audina Tjiptawan, who now plays for the Netherlands, won the Swiss Open.

The IBF will vote on whether to maintain or scrap the new scoring system on Sunday during its general meeting, which will be held at the Garden Hotel where the teams taking part in the Thomas and Uber Cups are staying.

Denmark reportedly will propose a compromise between the two scoring systems during the meeting.

"We have used nine-point games instead of seven-point games in the men's singles and all three doubles matches, and it works well," Peter Rasmussen said.

"The match can still be aggressive without sacrificing the more interesting aspects of badminton," he said.