Positive response to new service law experiment: BWF
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has stated that it has received an initial positive response to the new service law. This is an interesting claim by the BWF, given that several shuttlers had openly expressed their displeasure over this issue . The BWF is optimistic that the ongoing test of the service law is the first step to make service-rules and umpiring more objective.
Reaction has been quite interesting: BWF
BWF secretary general Thomas Lund said that the feedback by umpires suggests that the introduction of an instrument to help them in service-judging has helped. Also certain singles players have said positive things about the new service rules.
Service rule still an issue for several top players
Many of world's top shuttlers had expressed their unhappiness after the BWF had ringed in changes. Recently in the All England Open, Kidambi Srikanth lashed out at umpiring decisions after being called for service faults. He lamented that a 'specific' rule needs to be implemented. The BWF, in its defence, said that it has received no feedback from players who had criticised the move.
New service rules in a test mode
The new service rules were first experimented in the German Open and then in the recently concluded All England Open. The BWF had changed the serve rule which states that the shuttlecock should be held less than 1.15 metres from the surface. The testing will continue till the end of the year in all grade 1 and grade 2 events besides the continental championships.
