Badminton World Federation to Curb ‘Shuttlecock Empress’ Ahn Se-young’s Dominance with New Scoring System
BWF to Implement 15-Point, 3-Game System in 2026
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) is set to introduce a significant rule change in 2026, aimed at reducing physical exhaustion and overload on top athletes due to tight competition schedules. The current 21-point, 3-game format will be replaced by a 15-point, 3-game, best-of-2 system, according to Taiwan’s ‘Now News’.
Breakdown of the New Scoring System
Here’s how the new scoring system will work:
- First two games to 15 points, win by 2 points
- If tied 1-1, third game to 11 points, win by 2 points
- Technical timeout at 8 points in every game
- Deuce rule remains the same, but on 20-20, the first player to reach 21 points wins
Pilot Tests in May 2026
The BWF will test this new scoring system in some non-Super Series competitions starting in May 2026. Countries hosting these pilot tests include Mexico, Malaysia, Sydney (Australia), and China.
Ahn Se-young: The Dominant Force
The question on everyone’s mind is how this rule change will affect Korean badminton sensation Ahn Se-young, who is already making waves in the sport. Known as the ‘Shuttlecock Empress’, Ahn Se-young has broken records and dominated tournaments, bagging an astonishing 10 single-season titles in a row, including the prestigious All England Open and the Super 1000 tournaments in Indonesia and Japan.
“There are predictions that Ahn Se-young will benefit,” said ‘Now News’, suggesting that the new scoring system could further solidify her dominance.
However, expert opinions are divided on whether this move could actually give Ahn Se-young more wins or pose a challenge to her incredible comeback skills. China’s ‘Sina Sports’ insinuated that the rule change could be aimed at curbing Ahn Se-young’s overwhelming performance, making it harder for her to recover from early mistakes.
Dominance in Numbers
Ahn Se-young’s 2023 season was nothing short of remarkable:
- 68 wins and 4 losses with a win rate of 94.4%
- 10 single-season titles, breaking her own record of 9 wins in 2023
- On track to become the first badminton player to earn more than $1 million in a single season
Could Ahn Se-young Achieve ’20 Wins’ in 2026?
Some believe that Ahn Se-young could achieve the unprecedented feat of ’20 wins’ in a single season if the new scoring system is implemented. However, only time will tell how this rule change will impact the badminton landscape and the ‘Shuttlecock Empress’ herself.
Stay Tuned for More Updates
As the BWF’s general meeting in 2026 approaches, more details about the new scoring system and its potential implications for the sport will likely emerge. 247sports.news will keep you updated on all the latest badminton news and happenings.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the new scoring system be introduced?
Globally, from the second half of 2026, pending approval at the BWF’s general meeting in 2026.
Which tournaments will test the new scoring system before its global implementation?
Mexico, Malaysia, Sydney (Australia), and China, starting in May 2026.
Call to Action: Share your thoughts on the new scoring system and its potential impact on Ahn Se-young and badminton as a whole. Join the conversation in the comments section below!