It was during a training camp conducted in Tokyo in February that the Japanese national team started full-scale training using the new system.
“Under the new system, one mistake affects the
score and we have to concentrate even more than under the conventional system,"
said Head Coach Park Joo Bong about the new system. "A score of 14-10 under
the conventional system probably is the feeling of a score of between 20-12 and
20-14 now, instead of 20-16. Four points under the new system does not mean the
same thing as under the conventional system and it’s important for players to
understand that well.”
The Japanese team is hosting the big event in Japan under the still-unfamiliar
rule. Of course, the new rule creates a faint uneasiness, but all of the countries
are in the same boat, even though the degree of unfamiliarity with the new rule
may differ from country to country. We want the Japanese team to demonstrate their
true strength without being perplexed by unfamiliar game developments under the
new rule. The best way to help this happen must be strong cheers from the spectators.
Why not cry out the “Nippon!” cheer loudly!
Now let us brief you on the new scoring system. Under the conventional rule,
a game is won by the first side to score 15 points (11 points for women’s singles)
and only the side that serves can score points. In the upcoming event, a game
will be won by the first side to score 21 points and whichever side wins a rally
scores a point, no matter who served. Under this system, one mistake will affect
the score regardless of who served. Looking at international competitions that
have used this system on a trial basis, games tended to develop faster and matches
finished in roughly 30 to 45 minutes. Even finals only took around 60 minutes
and many players appreciated them as being "physically easier." On the
other hand, players have to concentrate always throughout a match, which makes
them feel that it is tougher “mentally.”
We interviewed members of the Japanese team on the new scoring system.
- Shoji SATO (Men's singles)
“Because games will develop more quickly, I think it may be necessary to play
our very best right from the beginning. If I were leading in a game, it would
only be necessary to be the side that was serving, but if I didn't have the lead,
it would be tough. It may be good for playing against higher-ranked players.”
- Kanako YONEKURA (Women's singles)
“I don’t think the length of the match will be so different from before as far
as women's singles are concerned. Of course I cannot make any silly mistakes.
It will be difficult to read game developments until I get familiar with the new
system, which may make it tough in terms of the mental aspect. For those who have
won thanks to their experience, we could say that experience won’t count at all.”
- Keita MASUDA (Men's doubles)
“I believe that games will develop more quickly. All of the players will still
be at a loss because we still don’t know how to get points or when to retreat.
However, we will discover many things while playing and it is important to try
without worrying too much. I will make comments and proposals actively to the
team at the upcoming camp.”
- Sintaro IKEDA (Men's doubles)
“Service is extremely important. I think I will be nervous, but I am good from
the third shot on counting from the serve, so please watch me play.”
- Reiko SHIOTA (Women's doubles)
"Under the rally point system, I may catch up quickly when I'm behind so
it will give me a chance to win against higher-ranked players and it will also
make for very close games. I want to get used to the new rule as soon as possible.
In a way, I am looking forward to it.”
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The
team members share the same insights, such as that the new scoring system will
accelerate game development; it will be even more important not to make careless
mistakes; they should explore how to develop games; and it gives a lower-ranked
player a better chance to win against a higher-ranked opponent. The new system
will be a factor to enhance the tense mood in general, requiring players to demonstrate
a capacity to concentrate even more constantly. Spectators may be able to enjoy
even more thrilling development of games.
“Thinking too much is the end of it and it will kill you," says Keita Masuda,
who finished third at the Yonex Japan Open four years ago when the 7-point x 5-game
scoring system was introduced on a trial basis. He said of his measures for dealing
with the new rule, "You have to try without worrying and enjoy playing regardless
of the results.” Japan is in a challenger’s position in international competitions.
One way of looking at the new scoring system is a positive view that it may bring
advantages for a team in this position. What kind of play will they turn in at
the Yonex Thomas & Uber Cup Japan 2006? We should be looking forward to the
event to see how the Japanese team has adapted to the new system and to see them
make fabulous plays. |
