Deadspin | Phillies snap 10-game skid with extra-inning defeat of Braves Apr 25, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Adolis Garcia (53) runs to third on an RBI triple against the Atlanta Braves in the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images Bryce Harper’s bases-loaded single in the 10th inning drove in two runs and sparked the visiting Philadelphia Phillies to an 8-5 win over the Atlanta Braves on Saturday to end their 10-game losing streak. After Tyler Kinley (3-1) started the inning with a walk and left-hander Jose Suarez walked the first batter he faced, Harper, who was 2-for-3 with four RBIs, lined a sinker into left to drive in automatic runner Garrett Stubbs and Trea Turner. Brandon Marsh followed with a two-run single to widen the lead and help the Phillies win their first game since April 13. Brady Keller (1-0) retired all four batters he faced, and Kyle Backhus pitched the 10th, allowing one run on two hits. Philadelphia right-hander Zack Wheeler made his first appearance since August 15 of last year after missing time due to undergoing surgery to treat thoracic outlet syndrome. He pitched five innings and allowed two runs on three hits and three walks, striking out six. He left after throwing 84 pitches. Atlanta right-hander Bryce Elder pitched seven innings, matching his season high, and allowed three runs on six hits and one walk, striking out two. The Phillies scored a run in the first inning when Harper walked with two outs and scored when Adolis Garcia lined a ball to left field that Mike Yastrzemski missed on a dive for an RBI triple. Philadelphia scored another run in the fourth inning when Bryson Stott smacked a triple off the right-field brick wall to score Brandon Marsh. Atlanta tied the score at 2-2 in the bottom of the fourth. Michael Harris II hit a bases-loaded sacrifice fly and Austin Riley followed with an RBI double, knocking in the 500th run of his career. The Phillies regained the lead in the fifth. Rafael Marchan singled and came around to score on Harper’s infield single which snapped Philadelphia’s 0-for-18 drought with runners in scoring position against the Braves this season. The Braves took their first lead in the sixth, scoring twice against reliever Tanner Banks on an RBI double from Ozzie Albies and a run-scoring single from Harris. The Phillies evened the game 4-4 in the eighth against Dylan Lee. Kyle Schwarber tripled when center fielder Eli White slipped on the wet turf and allowed the ball to get past him. He scored on Harper’s sacrifice fly. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Phillies #snap #10game #skid #extrainning #defeat #Braves

Former chief coach Vimal Kumar is “extremely disappointed” with Badminton World Federation’s decision to change the scoring system, calling it a dilution of the sport without addressing the game’s real challenges.

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) on Saturday approved the adoption of the 3×15 scoring system at its Annual General Meeting in Horsens, Denmark, with the proposal securing the required two-thirds majority.

The new format will come into effect from January 4, 2027, replacing the existing 21-point system.

“Extremely disappointed with the BWF decision to alter the scoring system…and even more concerning is the overwhelming support it has received from the Council members. It’s disheartening to see a sport followed so passionately, especially across Asia, being reshaped for reasons that do not address its real challenges,” said Vimal.

Extremely disappointed with the Badminton World Federation (BWF) decision to alter the scoring system—and even more concerning is the overwhelming support it has received from Council members.
The existing format ensured a true level playing field across playing styles,…
— Vimal Kumar (@vimalkumar_u) April 26, 2026

“The existing (21-point) format ensured a true level-playing field across playing styles, especially in the premier events — Men’s and Women’s Singles — which have always embodied the very essence of our sport: skill, resilience, fitness, and mental strength,” he added.

He indicated the sport could lose some of its compelling appeal, arguing that the claim it would generate more excitement does not hold in badminton, a sport he said has never lacked excitement.

“By effectively reducing the duration (and in essence removing one game’s worth of play — 18 points), BWF risks diluting what made these events so compelling. The explanation that this will ‘create early excitement’ feels short-sighted.

“Badminton has never lacked excitement — what it has offered is sustained intensity, something very few sports can match,” he opined.

Vimal said if the BWF was keen on reforms, it could have considered changes in doubles, but the sanctity of singles should have been preserved.

ALSO READ | Uber Cup 2026: India beats Ukraine 4-1; rested Sindhu wins doubles match

“If change was necessary, why not apply it selectively to doubles formats, while preserving the integrity of Singles? That would have been a more balanced approach…This is not evolution. This is dilution.

Even before the vote, Vimal, along with two-time Olympic medallists PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal, had voiced reservations over the move, backing the continuation of the existing 21-point system.

Vimal also flagged the absence of prize money at the World Championships and the BWF’s delay in implementing a review/referral system for crucial umpiring decisions, saying those were more pressing issues and reflected neglect of player welfare.

“Equally concerning is the continued neglect of player welfare and voice: No prize money for the World Championships; No meaningful increase in rewards for Singles, the flagship category; No implementation of a review/referral system for critical umpiring decisions.

“These are areas that truly needed attention. Badminton is widely regarded among the toughest sports in the world. A 90-minute Singles match can have nearly an hour of shuttle in play — far exceeding many longer-duration sports..

“Yet, instead of strengthening these unique aspects, decisions like this risk undermining them,” added.

He said players had little voice in the BWF even as other international federations were working to hear athletes out and empower them, arguing badminton, in contrast, was moving backwards.

“Players are expected to adapt — but are rarely heard. While other global sports continue to evolve by empowering athletes, improving officiating, and enhancing viewer engagement, badminton seems to be moving in the opposite direction.”

Published on Apr 26, 2026

#Extremely #disappointed #BWF #decision #alter #scoring #system #Vimal #Kumar">

Extremely disappointed with BWF decision to alter scoring system: Vimal Kumar Former chief coach Vimal Kumar is “extremely disappointed” with Badminton World Federation’s decision to change the scoring system, calling it a dilution of the sport without addressing the game’s real challenges.The Badminton World Federation (BWF) on Saturday approved the adoption of the 3×15 scoring system at its Annual General Meeting in Horsens, Denmark, with the proposal securing the required two-thirds majority.The new format will come into effect from January 4, 2027, replacing the existing 21-point system.“Extremely disappointed with the BWF decision to alter the scoring system…and even more concerning is the overwhelming support it has received from the Council members. It’s disheartening to see a sport followed so passionately, especially across Asia, being reshaped for reasons that do not address its real challenges,” said Vimal.Extremely disappointed with the Badminton World Federation (BWF) decision to alter the scoring system—and even more concerning is the overwhelming support it has received from Council members.The existing format ensured a true level playing field across playing styles,…— Vimal Kumar (@vimalkumar_u) April 26, 2026“The existing (21-point) format ensured a true level-playing field across playing styles, especially in the premier events — Men’s and Women’s Singles — which have always embodied the very essence of our sport: skill, resilience, fitness, and mental strength,” he added.He indicated the sport could lose some of its compelling appeal, arguing that the claim it would generate more excitement does not hold in badminton, a sport he said has never lacked excitement.“By effectively reducing the duration (and in essence removing one game’s worth of play — 18 points), BWF risks diluting what made these events so compelling. The explanation that this will ‘create early excitement’ feels short-sighted.“Badminton has never lacked excitement — what it has offered is sustained intensity, something very few sports can match,” he opined.Vimal said if the BWF was keen on reforms, it could have considered changes in doubles, but the sanctity of singles should have been preserved.ALSO READ | Uber Cup 2026: India beats Ukraine 4-1; rested Sindhu wins doubles match“If change was necessary, why not apply it selectively to doubles formats, while preserving the integrity of Singles? That would have been a more balanced approach…This is not evolution. This is dilution.Even before the vote, Vimal, along with two-time Olympic medallists PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal, had voiced reservations over the move, backing the continuation of the existing 21-point system.Vimal also flagged the absence of prize money at the World Championships and the BWF’s delay in implementing a review/referral system for crucial umpiring decisions, saying those were more pressing issues and reflected neglect of player welfare.“Equally concerning is the continued neglect of player welfare and voice: No prize money for the World Championships; No meaningful increase in rewards for Singles, the flagship category; No implementation of a review/referral system for critical umpiring decisions.“These are areas that truly needed attention. Badminton is widely regarded among the toughest sports in the world. A 90-minute Singles match can have nearly an hour of shuttle in play — far exceeding many longer-duration sports..“Yet, instead of strengthening these unique aspects, decisions like this risk undermining them,” added.He said players had little voice in the BWF even as other international federations were working to hear athletes out and empower them, arguing badminton, in contrast, was moving backwards.“Players are expected to adapt — but are rarely heard. While other global sports continue to evolve by empowering athletes, improving officiating, and enhancing viewer engagement, badminton seems to be moving in the opposite direction.”Published on Apr 26, 2026 #Extremely #disappointed #BWF #decision #alter #scoring #system #Vimal #Kumar

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Former chief coach Vimal Kumar is “extremely disappointed” with Badminton World Federation’s decision to change the scoring system, calling it a dilution of the sport without addressing the game’s real challenges.
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) on Saturday approved the adoption of the 3×15 scoring system at its Annual General Meeting in Horsens, Denmark, with the proposal securing the required two-thirds majority.
The new format will come into effect from January 4, 2027, replacing the existing 21-point system.
“Extremely disappointed with the BWF decision to alter the scoring system…and even more concerning is the overwhelming support it has received from the Council members. It’s disheartening to see a sport followed so passionately, especially across Asia, being reshaped for reasons that do not address its real challenges,” said Vimal.
Extremely disappointed with the Badminton World Federation (BWF) decision to alter the scoring system—and even more concerning is the overwhelming support it has received from Council members.
The existing format ensured a true level playing field across playing styles,…
— Vimal Kumar (@vimalkumar_u) April 26, 2026
“The existing (21-point) format ensured a true level-playing field across playing styles, especially in the premier events — Men’s and Women’s Singles — which have always embodied the very essence of our sport: skill, resilience, fitness, and mental strength,” he added.
He indicated the sport could lose some of its compelling appeal, arguing that the claim it would generate more excitement does not hold in badminton, a sport he said has never lacked excitement.
“By effectively reducing the duration (and in essence removing one game’s worth of play — 18 points), BWF risks diluting what made these events so compelling. The explanation that this will ‘create early excitement’ feels short-sighted.
“Badminton has never lacked excitement — what it has offered is sustained intensity, something very few sports can match,” he opined.
Vimal said if the BWF was keen on reforms, it could have considered changes in doubles, but the sanctity of singles should have been preserved.
ALSO READ | Uber Cup 2026: India beats Ukraine 4-1; rested Sindhu wins doubles match
“If change was necessary, why not apply it selectively to doubles formats, while preserving the integrity of Singles? That would have been a more balanced approach…This is not evolution. This is dilution.
Even before the vote, Vimal, along with two-time Olympic medallists PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal, had voiced reservations over the move, backing the continuation of the existing 21-point system.
Vimal also flagged the absence of prize money at the World Championships and the BWF’s delay in implementing a review/referral system for crucial umpiring decisions, saying those were more pressing issues and reflected neglect of player welfare.
“Equally concerning is the continued neglect of player welfare and voice: No prize money for the World Championships; No meaningful increase in rewards for Singles, the flagship category; No implementation of a review/referral system for critical umpiring decisions.
“These are areas that truly needed attention. Badminton is widely regarded among the toughest sports in the world. A 90-minute Singles match can have nearly an hour of shuttle in play — far exceeding many longer-duration sports..
“Yet, instead of strengthening these unique aspects, decisions like this risk undermining them,” added.
He said players had little voice in the BWF even as other international federations were working to hear athletes out and empower them, arguing badminton, in contrast, was moving backwards.
“Players are expected to adapt — but are rarely heard. While other global sports continue to evolve by empowering athletes, improving officiating, and enhancing viewer engagement, badminton seems to be moving in the opposite direction.”
Published on Apr 26, 2026

#Extremely #disappointed #BWF #decision #alter #scoring #system #Vimal #Kumar">Extremely disappointed with BWF decision to alter scoring system: Vimal Kumar