Review system to debut at Badminton Super Series Finals

After being delayed for months, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) will finally introduce the Instant Review System at the World Super Series Finals to be held here Dec 11-15.

Players, only on the court with TV broadcast, will be allowed two challenges per match and will be able to challenge line calls or umpire overrules of line calls.

"Players competing at the World Super Series Finals will be the first to benefit from instant reviews in badminton, being allowed two challenges per match during the season finale in Malaysia," the BWF announced Friday.

"When play gets underway at Kuala Lumpur Badminton Stadium Dec 11, the BWF will stage a live test of line-call technology, conducted via a camera-based system which will be set up on the TV court only."

If a line call is deemed correct, the player or doubles pair loses one challenge. Two incorrect challenges will mean that the players will have no more challenges left. However, if the players challenge successfully, they will not lose a challenge.

Importantly, challenges must be made immediately after the shuttle has landed and the call made by the line judge, before the commencement of the next serve. A player should clearly state "challenge" to the umpire and signal their request by raising their hand or arm simultaneously.

"We know players have been eagerly awaiting the introduction of instant reviews and we are pleased to unveil one of the options and to see how it works. We have done lots of testing during this year's World Super Series to finalise how this system works and we are confident it will add to the drama and excitement of the Finals -- both for players and fans," said BWF secretary general Thomas Lund.

"The BWF looks forward to feedback from the players and if everything goes well, the plan would be to implement instant reviews as soon as possible."