‘SHUTTLERS ARE TOO WEAK’

Axelsen wants players to have more say in BWF decisions

THE Badminton World Federation’s (BWF) proposal to introduce the 11x5 scoring format through a vote has made Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen a very unhappy person.

The 27-year-old former world champion took a swipe at BWF by saying that players do not have a strong voice when it comes to institutional changes at the highest level.

On Tuesday, the World No 2 took to social media, saying: “We are way too weak as players in this sport. Our Players Association should be way stronger and we should stand together and demand that we have a say when it comes to decisions like this one... and many others.

“Right now everything has to go through the associations (national). This big decision about the scoring system... it is also not possible for us, as players to vote.”

The present 21x3 scoring system was implemented in 2006.

Axelsen also took issue with BWF’s handling of players’ winnings in the international circuit. “Even our prize money is also first transferred to the association and finally then given to the athletes. That’s not right.

“The associations have way too much power over the athletes and it’s wrong IMO! (‘I’m my opinion).

“I’m sure all players are really thankful for all the things the associations are doing for us but it’s time to step up as a sport and find a way to work together. All of us. This will only be for the better.”

This is not the first time Axelsen has been vocal on social media. In January, the Dane voiced his dissatisfaction over the strict standard operating procedure (SOP) implemented in the Asian leg of the World Tour in Thailand.

Earlier this week, All England champion Lee Zii Jia said he was ready to adapt to the new scoring system, if it is approved by BWF at their annual general meeting next month.

Zii Jia, who defeated Axelsen in the All England final last month, said players will eventually get used to the new scoring system.