HYDERABAD: The 21-point format to be experimented in badminton will have a serious impact on Indian shuttlers, believes the 2001 All England champion Gopi Chand.

Speaking to The Hindu here on Tuesday, Gopi feels that being slow starters, the Indians might find it tough. Moreover, Indians have a tendency to make the opponent run around before settling down.

"But surely the games will be more intense," he said. "The fortunes tend to change dramatically in this format."

Foreigners better informed

"Foreign players are better informed about the likely changes in the format much before than the Indians. For instance, after the China Masters last month, Lin Dan was quoted as saying that he was not at all bothered about losing a 15-point game but keen to keep winning in the 21-point format. This helps them prepare well," he said.

"I believe these changes should be introduced in the junior-level events and not in the Grand Prix tournament.

"The games will definitely be much shorter. But the game will become bland even with the stroke-makers as they will not take any risks," he observed.

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