Ashwini Ponnappa critical of new 15x3 badminton scoring system

Star shuttler Ashwini Ponnappa, who won the women’s doubles gold medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, says she is not a fan of badminton’s new 15x3 scoring system, arguing that the diet version strips the sport of the drama and intensity that have made it so riveting.

The All India Senior Ranking Badminton Tournament, which began at Kochi’s Regional Sports Centre on Tuesday, is the first tournament at the domestic circuit to introduce this format to ensure seamless transition for Indian shuttlers.

The Badminton World Federation plans a global roll out of the 15x3 scoring system from Jan 2027.

In this format, all matches will be played as best-of-three games under rally-point scoring system in which each game will be played till 15 points instead of 21.

The traditional mid-game interval will now be taken when the leading player or pair reaches eight points.

“The beauty of the 21-point system lies in its ebbs and flows. It allows momentum shifts, creates drama, and allows comebacks,” Ponnappa told TOI at the Regional Sports Centre, after she and Satish Karunakaran won their opening mixed doubles match 15-8,15-10 against Farhan Muhammad and Meera Nair.

“Some of the greatest matches in badminton have lasted for at least 90 minutes, with the longest stretching to over 160 minutes. Those are contests people remember,” Ponnappa elaborated.

The BWF plans to introduce this diet version to reduce match durations, limit player fatigue, make it less physical, and create faster-paced games to suit the ethos of modern broadcasting.

Ponnappa, 36, reckoned that the sport’s governing body missed a trick by failing to innovate, choosing instead to tinker with a tested format.

“If you feel that the sport is becoming too physical, then add another break,” the Coorgi explained.

Ponnappa said the authorities should have retained the 21-point format at Tour 1000 events and conducted a trial run of the 15-point system at some of the lower-ranked events.

“It’s harder to build rallies. Who wants to see a badminton game getting over in 20 minutes?” Ponnappa argued.

Ponnappa acknowledged that players have little choice but to be adaptable and embrace the new normal.

“It is what it is. The sooner players adapt to the new scoring system, the better it is for them,” she added.