2026.01.04 08:44
[OSEN=진천, 이대선 기자]
[OSEN=정승우 기자] Badminton’s timetable is about to change. And in the midst of that change stands Ahn Se-young (24, Samsung Life Insurance). The format of the game is shaky, and the matchups are difficult. Ahn Se-young, who is trying to make 2026 her year again, was faced with a difficult test from the start of the new year.
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) approved the introduction of a 15-point, 3-set first-scoring system through its board of directors last month. Although the general assembly process still remains, the possibility of changing the basic framework of international badminton is greater than ever. Instead of the 21-point system that has been maintained so far, the structure is aimed at shorter and faster games.
The justification put forward by the federation is clear. This is to alleviate player abuse due to an increase in the number of games, shorten game time, and enhance box office performance. The calculation is to attract a younger fan base through a flow where the game fluctuates from the beginning and concentration is required early on. However, perspectives on the other side are mixed.
Some interpret this change as an adjustment to the ‘Ahn Se-young era’. It is claimed that it is a device to reduce the influence of the absolute strongest who have built up stamina, motivation, and stability in long rallies as weapons. The shorter the score, the greater the possibility of an upset and the greater the volatility of the game. This means that it could be an unfavorable environment for Ahn Se-young, who currently has virtually no opponent in the women’s singles.
Kim Dong-moon, president of the Korea Badminton Association, said, “The direction from the 21-point system to the 15-point system is virtually set,” and mentioned the possibility of a conclusion being reached at the general meeting in May next year. He explained, “The federation’s judgment is that active competition will increase from the beginning and the excitement of the entire game will increase,” but pointed out, “In a situation where Ahn Se-young is currently riding the overwhelming trend, the meaning of this change may be sufficiently controversial.”
Meanwhile, Ahn Se-young faces another test on the court. He will continue training in Malaysia and begin his official schedule for 2026 with the Malaysia Open (Super 1000), which will be held on the 6th. This is followed by a forced march to the India Open.
The problem is the matchup. In the first round of the round of 32, he will meet world number 12 Michelle Lee (Canada). Afterwards, leading players from Japan and China are still waiting in line. Chinese media ‘Sohu’ said, “World No. 1 Ahn Se-young accepted the match of death,” and evaluated, “It is a course where you cannot let down your guard even for a moment from the first match to the final.”
Of course, looking at the record alone, Ahn Se-young is overwhelming with 8 wins over Michelle Lee. But the matchup does not end there. After the round of 16, it is highly likely that she will face top-tier players from China and Japan in succession, including Nozomi Okuhara, Han Yue, Chen Yufei, and Wang Ziyi. In order to reach the top, you actually have to overcome China’s top players one after another.
Ironically, this kind of tough matchup is also a familiar sight to Ahn Se-young. In 2025, she swept 11 tournaments from the Malaysia Open to the World Tour Finals, setting a new record for the most wins in a single season in women’s singles. Winning rate of 94.8%, prize money exceeding $1 million. The number has already entered the realm of legend. /[email protected]
Seungwoo Jeong ([email protected])
Keep reading
