Soon Huat-Shevon Eye Potential Advantage with BWF Scoring System Change
PETALING JAYA – Malaysian mixed doubles pair Goh Soon Huat and Shevon Lai Jemie are looking ahead to potential improvements in their performance following a second-round exit at the All England Championships. The duo believes a proposed change to the scoring system by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) could benefit their game, particularly as they navigate a landscape increasingly dominated by younger, fitter players.
All England Campaign Ends for Malaysian Duo
Soon Huat and Shevon’s All England campaign concluded with a loss to the world No. 2 Chinese pair, Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Ya Xin, 16-21, 18-21. This marked their 10th defeat against the Chinese duo since their first encounter in 2023, with only one victory at the China Open in 2024 to their name. Despite the setback, the pair remains optimistic and focused on future improvements.
Proposed Scoring System Change
The BWF is considering a shift from the current 21-point, three-game format to a 15-point, best-of-five game system. A final decision is expected at the BWF annual general meeting on April 25th. If approved, the 2026 All England Championships could be the last played under the traditional scoring format.
Potential Benefits for Veteran Players
Soon Huat and Shevon believe the new scoring system could offer a strategic advantage. Shevon explained, “Definitely it will be a shorter game and advantage wise it gives us more time to rest because we do not need to play long games of 21 points.” However, she also acknowledged a potential downside, noting that the faster pace could allow any player to perform well and reduce the advantage held by top-seeded players. “It also does not mean a top seeded player will definitely win because the matches are shorter and any player can take a game,” she said.
Analyzing the Defeat to Jiang and Wei
Despite their efforts, Soon Huat and Shevon acknowledged the superior performance of the Chinese pair. Shevon highlighted the importance of maintaining pace, stating, “The most crucial factor is the speed of the game. We cannot maintain the same pace as long as they can. We tend to make mistakes after eight or nine rallies and that leads to a lot of unforced errors and quick points for them. They usually capitalise on that every time we play them.”
Other Results from the All England Championships
Several other matches were completed in the first round of the All England Championships. Notable results include victories for Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun and Lim Chiew Sien-Wong Tien Ci in the mixed doubles category. Wei Chong-Kai Wun defeated Lee Fang Chih-Fang Jen 21-17, 21-16, while Soon Huat-Shevon overcame Callum Hemming and Estelle Van Leeuwen 21-14, 21-12.
Malaysia’s mixed doubles run at the All England ended with the exit of Soon Huat-Shevon, as reported by New Straits Times.