Archive · 4 Oct 2026
Can Attacking Badminton Break Men’s Singles’ Repetitive Pattern?
The article says many top men’s badminton players now try to win by defending well and choosing their attacks carefully.
That can be effective, but the writer thinks it makes matches feel too similar.
Some younger players, including Indonesia’s Alwi Farhan and Ubaidillah, are praised for attacking in lively ways.
Korea’s Yoo Tae-bin also impressed by beating several leading players at the Asian Games.
Other players have shown attacking talent, though injuries or inconsistent results can get in the way.
The writer hopes more players will take risks and make their smashes exciting to watch again.
It also suggests that a proposed move to 15-point games could change the pace of matches.
The article argues that men’s singles has become overly reliant on disciplined defence and economical smashes, making matches feel repetitive.
It says players including Kunlavut Vitidsarn, Kodai Naraoka, Li Shifeng and Lakshya Sen are highly rounded, but often favour efficiency over sustained attack.
Indonesians Alwi Farhan and Moh Zaki Ubaidillah are presented as young players whose varied, attacking styles could make the game more exciting.
Korea’s Yoo Tae-bin, ranked No. 48 in the article, beat Lin Chun-yi, Shi Yuqi and Kodai Naraoka in the Asian Games individual draw.
The article also points to Ayush Shetty, Lin Chun-yi, Loh Kean Yew and Alex Lanier as examples of attacking promise, setbacks or contrasting styles.
- Who
- Men’s singles badminton players, including Alwi Farhan, Moh Zaki Ubaidillah and Yoo Tae-bin.
- What
- An opinion article argues that men’s singles is repetitive and says more attacking play could make it more exciting.
- When
- The article discusses the Asian Games and events described as taking place this year; it does not give a publication date.
- Where
- The Asian Games matches described were in Ichinomiya City, Japan.
- Why
- The writer says slow courts, demanding schedules and highly defensive, efficient play have made men’s singles feel monotonous.
The case for attacking play
The case for efficient play
What makes men’s singles compelling
The case for attacking play
The writer argues that disciplined retrieving and economical smashes have made matches repetitive, and that bolder attacks could restore excitement.
The case for efficient play
The article acknowledges that well-rounded players use defence and carefully chosen smashes to win; it describes this efficiency as rewarded in the current era.
Risk-taking versus match demands
The case for attacking play
Attacking prospects such as Alwi Farhan, Ubaidillah and Yoo Tae-bin are held up as players who can challenge established opponents and make the smash more entertaining.
The case for efficient play
The article notes that injuries, the need to build strength and punishing schedules can limit attacking players or make a less risky, attritional approach more practical.
- Asian Games team event
- Indonesia won the men’s team event, according to the article.
- Yoo Tae-bin’s ranking
- No. 48, as stated in the article.
- Yoo’s Asian Games wins
- The article says he eliminated Lin Chun-yi, Shi Yuqi and Kodai Naraoka from the individual draw.
- Alwi Farhan
- The article describes his attack as varied and snappy.
- Moh Zaki Ubaidillah
- The article also identifies him as an Indonesian player with an attacking style.
- Loh Kean Yew
- The article says he won the 2021 World Championships and the Singapore Open this year.
- Potential format change
- The writer refers to a possible move to 15-point games.