Lin Dan slams BWF moves to change scoring system

Chinese great Lin Dan on Wednesday opposed plans to consider a new scoring system being contemplated by the world federation in a bid to make the sport more attractive.

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) is to open discussions this weekend on whether a new scoring pattern is needed to benefit television coverage and make contests more attractive to viewers.

Lin, arguably the greatest player of all time with five world, two Olympic and five all-England titles under his belt, said a change will lead to confusion among players and fans.

"I don't like it. I don't think making changes like this is good for the game," Lin said in a brief interaction with reporters at the Thomas and Uber Cup team championships in New Delhi.

"There is nothing wrong with the present system."

The BWF has already sounded out the players on three options to replace the existing system that has the winner reaching 21 points, two points clear of his opponent, in a best-of-three game format.

One suggestion is to have two games of 21 each with the decider, if needed, played for 11 points.

Another format is 15 points for each game, while a third suggestion is to play five games of nine points each.

A difference of two points would still be needed to win.

A change in the scoring pattern will be discussed for the first time since 2006, when the 21-point pattern was introduced.

The BWF plans to trial the selected format at small tournaments and seek feedback from various stakeholders before it is introduced at major events like the world championships or the Olympics.