NEW DELHI — Badminton could soon see a new scoring system at the top level to benefit television coverage and make contests more attractive for viewers, the sport’s governing body said Tuesday.



The Badminton World Federation (BWF) will open discussions on the subject this weekend in New Delhi on the sidelines of the ongoing men’s  Thomas Cup and women’s Uber Cup team championships.



The BWF has already sounded out the players on three alternate options to replace the existing system that has the winner reaching 21 points, two points clear of his opponent, in a best-of-three game format. One suggestion is to have two games of 21 each with the decider, if needed, played for 11 points.



Another format is 15 points for each game, while a third suggestion is to play five games of nine points each. A difference of two points will still be needed for the winner.



A change in the scoring pattern is being discussed for the first time since 2006 when the 21-point pattern was introduced.



The BWF plans to trial the selected format at small tournaments and seek feedback from various stakeholders before it is introduced at major events like the world championships or the Olympics.



China in quarterfinals



China kept world champion Lin Dan on the sidelines as it cruised into the quarterfinals of the men’s Thomas Cup Monday, soon after the women had made the grade in the Uber Cup.



The Chinese men, aiming for a record sixth successive title in badminton’s premier team championships, overpowered Russia 5-0 to record their second win in group D. Lin, who had played the third singles in the 5-0 rout of France Sunday, made way for Tian Houwei, who whipped Anatoliy Yartsev in straight games to fashion his side’s easy win. The Chinese women, seeking their eighth Uber Cup title in the last nine competitions since 1998, moved into the knock-out rounds with a 5-0 drubbing of England.



England will join China in the quarterfinals from group W if it beat winless Russia in their last preliminary match Wednesday.



South Korea’s men, runner-up to China in the Thomas Cup final two years ago, and Malaysia booked the two quarterfinal spots from Group C.



The South Koreans conceded the second and third singles to India, but won both the doubles ties after Son Wan-ho had taken the opening singles against K. Srikanth in three games.



Malaysia, which thrashed India 4-1 Sunday, beat Germany by the same scoreline after world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei toyed with Marc Zwiebler 21-14, 21-8 in a dominant performance.



France, playing in the Thomas Cup for the first time, came from behind to stun Taiwan 3-2 and keep its hopes alive of a quarterfinal spot from group D behind China.



Taiwan was leading 2-1 when Thomas Rouxel drew level with a thrilling 20-22, 21-19, 21-19 win over Kuei Chun Shih.



Brice Leverdez and Lucas Corvee then sealed the French win by beating Tsai Chia Hsin and Lee Sheng Mu 14-21, 21-13, 21-14. France must defeat Russia to qualify for the quarterfinals, provided Taiwan does not upset mighty China.



Former men’s champions Indonesia opened its campaign with a 5-0 demolition of Singapore despite world No. 5 Tommy Sugiarto facing a tough three-game battle from Derek Wong in the opening singles.



World No. 8 Boonsak Ponsana led Thailand to a 5-0 rout of Nigeria to stay on course for a quarterfinal berth from Group A alongside Indonesia.



Meanwhile, the Indian vs. Thai women’s match will determine the top team from Group Y after both made it to the quarterfinals with their second win. India beat Hong Kong 4-1, while Thailand blanked Canada 5-0. — Agencies