During the Denmark Open, which begins on Tuesday, and the French Open the following week, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) will once again test the shot clock, which aims to create better flow in the game.
According to the BWF, the hope is that the introduction of a time clock will limit players' delaying play on purpose. Currently, referees are asked to make a subjective assessment after each duel in terms of how long the delay should last.
The BWF Council have approved the following principles for implementation:
Players are allocated 25 seconds between each rally.
The clock starts when the umpire updates the score.
The server must be ready to serve before the end of 25 seconds.
The receiver must be ready to receive when the server is in a position to serve.
Umpires have the discretion, using their best judgment, to allow more than 25 seconds between rallies (i.e., not enforce), depending on circumstances (e.g., medical intervention, significant mopping required, etc.)
However, Antonsen isn't happy with the initiative.
"When I heard there was a bell—just a few days ago—I thought: "Damn, what a pain." So, I’m not exactly thrilled about it. I find it a very distracting element. I’m not happy about it. I think getting back on track tactically is challenging enough—focusing and bringing the heart rate down. Now there’s also a bell to keep an eye on", says Antonsen to TV2 Sport.
The Denmark Open 2026 begins today and runs through Sunday, 18 October, at the SJF Bank Arena (Jyske Bank Arena) in Odense.
