T

he Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI) is against the idea of changing the badminton rules to move from the current best-of-three scoring system with a maximum 21 points (21 x 3) to a best-of-five system with 11 as the maximum points (11 x 5).

The proposed new scoring system is one of the issues to be discussed during the Badminton World Federation (BWF) annual general meeting in Bangkok on Saturday, ahead of the Thomas and Uber Cup to be held in the Thai capital from Sunday to May 27.

PBSI secretary-general Achmad Budiharto said most of the Asian countries, which are in favor of the current scoring system, would suffer disadvantages should the BWF decide to apply the new scoring system.

“Almost 70 percent of the top badminton players come from Asia. Most of the Asian countries are against the idea of changing the current scoring system,” he told The Jakarta Post on Friday.

“I believe the badminton spectators also prefer the game with the current scoring system, [as it is more exciting than the discussed new system],” he added.

The current scoring system is also profitable for the sponsors, as they will receive more brand awareness with longer times of coverage during the match compared to the best-of-five system, which is believed to reduce the length of the game.

Achmad went on to say that the idea of changing the scoring system was part of the efforts of some countries outside of Asia to end the continent’s domination of badminton.