Players will play with, and against, several different players of a similar level.
Each player enters as an individual. You do not enter with a partner, and you will play with several different players during the afternoon. The aim is that you will play games of doubles with players of a similar standard. The “ladder” format allows players to move up and down the ladder.
Players will generally be organised into groups of four . We will do our best to initially group players with others of a similar standard based on what we already know of players and the information players provide on their entry forms. Where a player is unintentionally ranked too high or too low, the “ladder” format should enable players to find their right level as the event progresses.
Each player will play three games of badminton in their group of four. Normal doubles rules will apply except that there will be no setting. In other words, the first pair to reach 21 points in a game will win that game, even if the score is 21-20. The “two clear points or first to 30 rule” will not apply. The three games in each group will be structured as follows:
Player 1 and Player 2 versus Player 3 and Player 4
Player 1 and Player 3 versus Player 2 and Player 4
Player 1 and Player 4 versus Player 2 and Player 3
After the three games, the group positions will be determined as follows:
Firstly, on the number of games won.
Secondly, on points difference.
Thirdly, on points won.
Fourthly, on the ranking at the start of the round. (In this format, it is not that unusual for two or more players to be tied on games won, points difference and points won. Where that is the case, the player with the higher rank at the start of the round, is given the highest rank at the end of the round.)
At the end of round 1, the first placed player in each group (other than the top group) is moved to the group above, and the last placed player in each group (other than the bottom group) is moved to the group below. Round 2 then proceeds on the same basis. We plan to have at least three rounds.
Where the number of entrants is not a multiple of four, the format will be adjusted a little to allow everyone to compete and so, some groups might consist of more or less than four players.
To minimise the entry costs, there are no prizes to be awarded – you’ll need to settle for taking pride in a good performance!
