Source: REUTERS/ADNAN ABIDI
[Saba Sports News] Danish
media outlet TV 2 Sport recently published an article highlighting the growing
trend of badminton players utilizing rule loopholes to intentionally delay
matches in order to gain additional rest time. According to the current rules,
badminton matches are designed to have minimal breaks. Players are expected to
begin playing promptly after each rally, and failure to do so may result in a
yellow card issued by the referee. Timeouts are only permitted when a player
reaches 11 and 21 points. However, several loopholes exist within the rules.
For instance, players can request the floor to be mopped to remove sweat, which
grants them extra rest time during the mopping process. Similarly, if a player
feigns injury and requires medical attention, they can take advantage of the
situation to gain additional rest time. Some players even intentionally tie
their shoelaces as a pretext for a short break. Viktor Axelsen, the men’s
singles champion of the Badminton World Tour Finals, revealed to reporters that
a player once requested a medical timeout and sprayed cooling spray on his toes
after losing five consecutive points. In reality, there was no injury; it was a
deliberate attempt to stall for time. This tactic has become common among many
players. In response to these concerns, the Badminton World Federation defended
the rules, stating that they primarily aim to protect the players’ health. Referees
will strive to restrict such behavior and find a reasonable balance.