KOCHI: Star shuttle Ashwini Ponnappawho won the women’s doubles gold medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, says she is not a fan of badminton’s new 15×3 scoring system, arguing that the diet version strips the sport of the drama and intensity that have made it so riveting. The All India Senior Ranking Badminton Tournament, which began at the Kochi Regional Sports Center on Tuesday, is the first tournament in the domestic circuit to introduce this format to ensure a seamless transition for Indian shuttlers. The Badminton World Federation plans a global rollout of the 15×3 scoring system from January 2027.In this format, all games will be played as best of three games under a rally point scoring system in which each game will be played to 15 points instead of 21. The traditional half-game interval will now be taken when the leading player or pair reaches eight points.“The beauty of the 21-point system lies in its ebbs and flows. It allows for momentum shifts, creates drama, and allows for comebacks,” Ponnappa said. YOU at the Regional Sports Centre, after she and Satish Karunakaran won their opening mixed doubles match 15-8,15-10 against Farhan Muhammad and Meera Nair.“Some of the greatest matches in badminton have lasted for at least 90 minutes, with the longest lasting more than 160 minutes. These are contests that people remember,” elaborated Ponnappa.The BWF thought to introduce this version of diet to reduce the duration of the match, limit the fatigue of the players, make it less physical, and create faster games to adapt to the ethics of modern broadcasting. Ponnappa, 36 years old, considered that the sports organization missed a trick to fail to innovate, choosing instead to make a formula with a proven format.“If you feel that the sport has become too physical, then add another break,” explains the Coorgi. Ponnappa said the authorities should retain the 21-point format in the Tour 1000 events and conducted a trial of the 15-point system in some of the lower events.“It’s harder to build demonstrations. Who wants to watch a game of badminton in 20 minutes?” Ponnappa argued. Ponnappa acknowledged that players have little choice but to be adaptable and embrace the new normal.“It is what it is. The sooner the players adapt to the new scoring system, the better it is for them,” he added.