Rejuvenated by a day of rest and cultural activity, participants at the YONEX SUNRISE BWF World Junior Championships 2025 are set to produce another week of absorbing action in Guwahati.
Like the BWF World Junior Mixed Team Championships (6-11 October) that saw an innovative 3 x 45 team relay scoring system, the 25th edition of the individual championships (13-19 October) too will witness a scoring innovation.
The event will be conducted according to the 3 x 15 scoring system which is being trialled as part of the wider testing and analysis programme rolled out by BWF. The scoring consists of best of three games, with each game played for 15 points, detailed under the ‘Alternative Laws of Badminton’ (Section 4.1.4 of the Statutes).
A game is won by the side that first scores 15. If the score becomes 14-all, the side that gains a two-point lead first wins the game. If the score becomes 20-all, the side scoring the 21st point wins the game. Change of ends happens after the first game, second game, and when a side first scores 8 points in the third game.
A Treat for Participants
Athletes join performers on stage at the Cultural Day
Sunday was a rest day between the team and individual championships, with the participants getting a glimpse of Assamese culture.
A variety of Assamese performances were showcased, at the end of which the athletes were invited to shake a leg with the performers.
Awards for the best team cheer were also announced, and Norway were declared winners.
Stars to Watch
The team championships held last week offered a view of the phenomenal talent in the junior ranks, several of whom are likely to light up the senior category in the near future. While contestants in the team event competed for only nine points in every set, the individual championships will bring them to more familiar territory as it resembles the conventional scoring format of 3 x 21.
Moh Zaki Ubaidillah
All eyes will be on Indonesian top seed Moh. Zaki Ubaidillah, who led his team to the Suhandinata Cup final. The world No.70, who won the Singapore International Challenge earlier this year, was somewhat miffed by his performance in the team final and resolved to do better in the individual championships. Ubaidillah had dominated the rallies against his opposite number Liu Yang Ming Yu but had erred on the finishing shots, perhaps rushed by the thought that he had to be constantly on the offensive.
“I think I made too many mistakes, perhaps the pressure got to me,” he said. “I will have to correct my mistakes and improve my focus for the individual event.”
Ubaidillah will start favourite in the draw of 128.
Mady Sow of France
Among the striking talent on view last week was France’s Mady Sow, just 14 years old. The tall left-hander played singles and doubles for France, and made an impression as he helped his team finish 13th.
Among other players and pairs to watch are in men’s singles are Richie Duta Richardo (Indonesia), Garret Tan (USA), Liu Yang Ming Yu (China), Bharath Latheesh (UAE), Rounak Chouhan (India), Hyuga Takano, Kazuma Kawano (both Japan) and Jamal Rehmat Pandi (Philippines).
In women’s singles, defending champion Xu Wen Jing (China) is among the favourites, along with her compatriot Liu Si Ya. The home team will have their hopes pinned on top seed Tanvi Sharma, runner-up at the YONEX US Open 2025, and Unnati Hooda, semifinalist at the YONEX Taipei Open 2025.
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