Analysis of three Thai stars “View-May-Ikyu”: who gains and who loses with the scoring system changed to 15 points.
The badminton world is approaching a major turning point as the Badminton World Federation (BWF) has agreed to propose a new scoring system of 3 games to 15 points each (best of 3) before this proposal is put to a vote at the BWF Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday, 25 April 2026, in Horsens, Denmark.
This change is not merely a reduction in points but a complete "reset" of training methods, tactics, and the mental approach of athletes worldwide.
The main reason BWF is pushing this system is to make matches more concise, appealing to sponsors, broadcasters, and a younger audience that prefers more excitement. This follows a thorough evaluation over several years, concluding that the 3×15 system (with a maximum deuce of 21 points) strikes the best balance between game excitement, fairness, athlete welfare, and event management.
1. “View” Kulwut Vitidsarn
International media and badminton fans worldwide have nicknamed him the "Three-Game God" because View plays with high endurance and a very solid defensive style. He is praised as a "control player" with excellent fitness, favoring long rallies to wear down opponents late in the third set. This style may be disadvantaged under the shorter 15-point system, as he will have less time to exhaust opponents.
However, View already has outstanding defensive skills, and if he can quickly turn defensive shots into powerful counterattacks, the 15-point system could also work to his advantage.
2. “May” Ratchanok Intanon
May is globally recognized for her superb net skills and deceptive shots. However, recently she has faced criticism for declining stamina late in the third set due to age and injuries.
The 15-point system may help address her stamina and accumulated fatigue issues in the third set, which have been her weaknesses. Shorter games allow May to showcase her exceptional technique and dazzling shots without worrying about running out of energy late in matches.
On the other hand, May tends to have runs of lost points in the 21-point system. Losing 4-5 points consecutively might be recoverable there, but in the 15-point system, such point losses could be catastrophic.
3. “Ikyu” Panitchaphon Theeraratsakul
A rising star known for speed and powerful smashes, with freshness and quickness as his selling points. The 15-point system could be a "fast track" for him to challenge senior players more quickly.
Ikyu is an aggressive player with a modern style. Reducing the points allows him to use his freshness to overwhelm veteran opponents who rely on controlling pace.
However, he must train his mental strength and composure because in the 15-point system, points from 10 to 15 carry enormous pressure. Ikyu needs to stay calm enough not to rush and make mistakes under pressure.