Badminton World Federation Approves New 3x15 Scoring System

Apr 26, 2026, 18:47

Introduction

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has officially approved a change to the sport's scoring system. Starting January 4, 2027, the current 21-point format will be replaced by a 15-point system.

Main Body

The decision was confirmed during the BWF Annual General Meeting in Horsens, Denmark, after receiving a two-thirds majority vote. Under the new rules, matches will consist of three games played to 15 points. The BWF emphasized that this change will make matches shorter and more exciting for spectators, while also reducing the physical pressure on the players. However, several experts and former players, including Olympic medallists PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal, have criticized the move. These critics argue that reducing the points per match may decrease the importance of endurance and mental strength. Furthermore, they claim that the shorter format might favor speed and power over tactical skill, which could make it easier for lower-ranked players to beat top athletes. There is also a disagreement regarding player health. While the BWF claims the new system reduces physical strain, critics assert that injuries are actually caused by a crowded competition calendar. They suggest that the federation should focus on improving the schedule and the officiating system instead. Additionally, some coaches pointed out that the BWF should prioritize increasing prize money for the World Championships rather than changing the scoring rules.

Conclusion

The BWF will introduce the 3x15 scoring system in early 2027, despite strong opposition from prominent athletes and coaches who worry that the sport's physical and tactical standards may decline.

Vocabulary Learning

disagreement (n.)
a lack of agreement or conflict of opinion不同意見
Example:There was a disagreement over the new rules.
majority (n.)
the greater part or number of something大多數
Example:The proposal passed with a two-thirds majority.
prize money (n.)
the amount of money awarded as a prize in a competition獎金
Example:The tournament offers substantial prize money for the winners.
spectators (n.)
people who watch an event or performance觀眾
Example:The stadium was full of enthusiastic spectators.
tactical (adj.)
relating to planning or strategy for achieving a goal戰術的
Example:Her tactical skill helped her win the match.

Sentence Learning

The decision was confirmed during the BWF Annual General Meeting in Horsens, Denmark, after receiving a two-thirds majority vote.
Passive Voice: This sentence uses the passive voice, placing the receiver of the action ('The decision') as the subject. The doer is implied by the prepositional phrase 'during the BWF Annual General Meeting in Horsens, Denmark'.被動語態: 句子使用被動語態，將動作的承受者（'The decision'）置於主語位置，執行者則透過介系詞片語 'during the BWF Annual General Meeting in Horsens, Denmark' 隱含。
Furthermore, they claim that the shorter format might favor speed and power over tactical skill, which could make it easier for lower-ranked players to beat top athletes.
Relative Clause: The main clause reports a claim, and the relative clause 'which could make it easier for lower‑ranked players to beat top athletes' adds information about 'tactical skill'.關係子句: 主句陳述主張，關係子句 'which could make it easier for lower‑ranked players to beat top athletes' 為 'tactical skill' 提供補充說明。
While the BWF claims the new system reduces physical strain, critics assert that injuries are actually caused by a crowded competition calendar.
Contrast Conjunction (while): The conjunction 'while' introduces a contrast between the BWF's claim and critics' assertion.對比連詞 (while): 連詞 'while' 將 BWF 的主張與批評者的主張對比並列。
The BWF will introduce the 3x15 scoring system in early 2027, despite strong opposition from prominent athletes and coaches who worry that the sport's physical and tactical standards may decline.
Contrast Conjunction (despite): The word 'despite' introduces a clause that presents a fact contrary to the expectation set by the main clause.對比連詞 (despite): 連詞 'despite' 引入與主句預期相反的事實，表示儘管存在強烈反對，BWF 仍將採行新制度。
Additionally, some coaches pointed out that the BWF should prioritize increasing prize money for the World Championships rather than changing the scoring rules.
Contrast Conjunction (rather than): The phrase 'rather than' contrasts two possible actions, indicating a preference for one over the other.對比連詞 (rather than): 片語 'rather than' 對比兩個可能的行動，表示偏好將重點放在增加獎金，而非改變計分規則。