Key highlights of the relay system:

• The first match is played to 11 points (change ends at 6).
• The second match begins with the score from the first, but the losing side starts with at least 5 points.
• Each subsequent match is played to the next 11 points, with the trailing side starting with their actual score or a multiple of 5 (whichever is higher) - a minimum of 5 for the first match, 10 for the second match, 15 for the third match and so on)
• The 10th match finishes when one player/pair reaches 110 points to win the tie.

This dynamic format makes for a fast-paced, strategic competition, with no player allowed to compete in more than 4 matches, keeping things fresh and intense.

Pre-Match Draw Procedure and Match Order Explained

Before each team tie at the World Junior Mixed Team Championships, a draw will be conducted between the team managers. This draw will determine the order of the matches to be played. Here’s how the process works:

• The first five matches in the tie must cover one of each discipline: Men's Singles (MS), Women's Singles (WS), Men's Doubles (MD), Women's Doubles (WD), and Mixed Doubles (XD).
• The winner of the draw gets to select the first and third matches.
• The opposing team selects the second and fourth matches.
• The remaining match that hasn't been chosen will be played as the fifth match.

Once the first five matches are decided, the remaining matches (from six to 10) will follow the same order as the initial five matches, creating a consistent flow and balance in the competition.

This system ensures a strategic approach to the match order and adds an extra layer of excitement as the teams compete in different events throughout the tie! Stay tuned to see how the draw plays out and what tactics each team employs!

Tune in to watch and support Team New Zealand! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more frequent updates.

Read a more detailed explanation of the new scoring system on the official BWF website (here)

Live scores and updates available on tournament software!

Representing New Zealand on the world stage is a remarkable achievement, and this day was a celebration of the hard work and dedication, not only from these young athletes but also from their supporters who have put in an immense amount of work to reach this level.

A special thank you goes to Yonex Badminton Australia / New Zealand for providing the official World Junior squad shirts. Their continued support is invaluable to the development of our junior athletes.

Following the presentation, the squad underwent two days of education, team-building activities and intense training. The weekend wrapped up with a sparring session against the National Development Squad, culminating in a relay simulation - mirroring the team format they compete with at the World Junior Championships in Nanchang, China.

"The BWF World Junior Championships is held annually and consists of two separate competitions: a mixed team championships for the Suhandinata Cup followed by an individual championships for the Eye Level Cups – all hosted over 12 days and attracting up to 50 teams and 400 players from around the world.

The Championships provides badminton fans with a first glimpse of the stars of the future. The World Junior Championship is the first opportunity for talented young badminton players to represent their country in a world event in the sport.

It is also an opportunity to experience top level competition and perhaps put them on the pathway towards becoming one of the stars of the future." - BWF

Stay tuned for more updates on how the World Junior Championship format has changed as we follow the journey of these young athletes at the World Junior Championships!

Meet the Team

Boys:

• Raphael Deloy, Waikato Badminton Association
• Alex Galt, Badminton North Harbour
• Jaden Mingoa, Badminton North Harbour
• Jay Xuan Tan, Badminton Canterbury
• Lezhi Zhu, Badminton Hawkes Bay

Girls:

• Yanxi Liu, Badminton North Harbour
• Mia Xu, Auckland Badminton Association
• Olivia Yang, Waitakere Badminton Association
• Josephine Zhao, Badminton North Harbour

Experienced Competitors

Four members of the team—Raphael Deloy, Jaden Mingoa, Josephine Zhao, and Lezhi Zhu—are making their second appearance at the World Junior Championships, building from their previous experience on the international platform.

Tournament Schedule and Group Placement

The World Juniors Championships will kick off with the team event on 30 September 2024 to 5 October 2024. New Zealand has been placed in Group D, where they will face the United Arab Emirates, Denmark, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Cook Islands.

After the team event, the players will turn their focus to the Yonex World Junior Championships - Individual Event on 7 to 13 October 2024.

Preparation and Support

In preparation for the championships, the New Zealand Junior squad will be training in Auckland under the guidance of the head national coach. The team will be participating in a range of activities, including team-building exercises, intense training sessions, and organized match simulations over the weekend. These practice matches will take place against senior players, providing the squad with valuable experience and sharpening their skills before they head off to China. This focused preparation is designed to enhance both their individual performance and team cohesion as they gear up for the world stage.

Stay tuned for more updates and follow the journey of our New Zealand World Junior team as they take on the world in Nanchang, China.

Good luck to the team as they represent New Zealand!