Why Olympic Champion Chen Yufei Backs Badminton’s Shift to 15-Point Scoring

By Daniel Richardson, Editor-in-Chief

April 27, 2026 | Archysport

When the Badminton World Federation (BWF) voted to replace the 21-point scoring system with a 15-point format starting in 2027, few voices carried as much weight as Chen Yufei’s. The reigning Olympic gold medalist and China’s top-ranked women’s singles player has become one of the most vocal advocates for the change, framing it not just as a technical adjustment but as a lifeline for her career and the sport’s future.

The Vote That Changed the Game

At the BWF’s 87th Annual General Meeting in Horsens, Denmark, on April 25, 2026, delegates cast 198 votes in favor of the new scoring system—more than three-quarters of the total—against 43 opposing votes. The margin reflected broad consensus among member associations, but the real debate has only just begun among players, coaches, and fans.

The new rules, set to take effect on January 4, 2027, will notice matches played as best-of-three games to 15 points, with a cap at 21 points if the score reaches 20-20. This replaces the 21-point system that has been in place since 2006. Under the current format, matches can stretch to 80 or 90 minutes, particularly in women’s singles, where rallies tend to be longer and more defensive. The BWF’s own research cited in the reform proposal highlighted that the shorter format would reduce match duration by an average of 20-30% while increasing the intensity of play.

Chen Yufei’s Case for Change

Speaking to reporters while competing at the Uber Cup in Denmark, Chen offered a rare personal perspective on the physical toll of the current system. “Under the 21-point format, some singles matches last 80 or 90 minutes,” she said. “That kind of prolonged, high-intensity effort takes a massive toll on the body. The new 15-point system will compress match time while actually increasing the intensity of each rally. That’s a trade-off I’m happy to make.”

Chen, who turned 28 this year, is at an age where most badminton players begin to consider retirement due to the cumulative strain of the sport. Her endorsement of the new system suggests she sees it as a way to extend her career. “This change will be a new motivation for me to keep training and competing,” she added. “The faster pace and higher stakes in each point will make the game more unpredictable, and that’s exciting.”

What the Numbers Say

The BWF’s decision was not made in a vacuum. Data from the 2024 and 2025 seasons showed that women’s singles matches averaged 68 minutes under the 21-point system, with nearly 15% exceeding 80 minutes. For players like Chen, who often compete in back-to-back tournaments, the physical demands are relentless. The new format is expected to cut average match times to 45-55 minutes, reducing the risk of overuse injuries—particularly to the knees, ankles, and shoulders—that have sidelined several top players in recent years.

Critics of the change, however, argue that the shorter format could favor aggressive, attacking players over those who rely on endurance and defensive skills. Chen’s style—characterized by her speed, precision, and ability to dictate rallies—may actually benefit from the shift, as the new system rewards quick, decisive points over prolonged exchanges.

BWF’s Broader Goals

BWF President Badma Lkhagvasuren framed the reform as part of a larger effort to modernize the sport. “This is a milestone for badminton,” he said in a statement following the vote. “The new scoring system will make matches more dynamic, with earlier critical moments and more dramatic finishes. It will also make scheduling more predictable for broadcasters and more appealing to modern audiences.”

The BWF’s research also suggested that the change could improve the sport’s commercial viability. Shorter matches allow for more flexible scheduling, particularly during multi-sport events like the Olympics, where badminton often competes for prime-time slots. The federation hopes the new format will attract younger viewers and increase engagement on digital platforms, where attention spans are shorter.

What’s Next for Players and Fans

For players, the transition will require significant adjustments. Training regimens will need to shift to prioritize explosive power and tactical adaptability over endurance. Coaches will have to rethink strategies, particularly in doubles, where the dynamics of the game could change dramatically. Some veterans, like Indonesia’s Anthony Ginting, have expressed concerns that the new system might disadvantage players who excel in long, grueling matches.

Fans, meanwhile, will need to adapt to a faster-paced game. The 15-point system could lead to more upsets, as the shorter format increases the role of luck, and momentum. For broadcasters, the change presents an opportunity to experiment with new camera angles and commentary styles to capture the heightened intensity of each point.

Key Takeaways

• New Format: Best-of-three games to 15 points, with a 21-point cap if the score reaches 20-20. Effective January 4, 2027.
• Why It Matters: Aims to reduce match duration by 20-30%, lower injury risks, and make the sport more appealing to broadcasters and younger audiences.
• Chen Yufei’s Stance: Supports the change as a way to extend her career and increase the sport’s unpredictability.
• Potential Downsides: Could favor aggressive players over defensive specialists and may require significant tactical adjustments.
• BWF’s Motivation: Modernize the sport, improve scheduling flexibility, and enhance commercial viability.

The Road Ahead

The first major test of the new system will come at the 2027 Malaysia Open, where the world’s top players will debut the format. Until then, expect a flurry of analysis, debate, and experimentation as athletes and coaches prepare for the biggest change to badminton’s rules in two decades.

For Chen Yufei, the countdown to 2027 has already begun. “I’m looking forward to it,” she said. “This is a chance to write a new chapter in my career—and in badminton.”

What do you think of the new scoring system? Will it make badminton more exciting, or do you prefer the traditional format? Share your thoughts in the comments below.