You've got the idea. Also from a spectators point of view would you like to watch 5 matches or just 3? This would increase tension and excitment. The women doubles and singles players spend a long time practicing so why not include them and let them show everyone what they can do. The sport is becoming very male dominant which is noticeable at all levels.
you are right. I guess match differences will be better. For example, 3:0 (Team A) is better than 3:1 (Team B). If match differences the same, then whoever play less games is Team A. In summary: (a) match differences (b) game differences (c) score differences (d) coin toss
Kind of like home advantage if Team A wins the quarter final. It's a good idea but favours the strongest team again. The idea of tossing a coin eliminates any bias from previous matches and presents a level playing field for all teams concerned. It appears that China is dominant in at least 3 categories, m singles, md's and xd. However they are vunerable in the ld's doubles and w singles. They also appear to wobble in the xd and mens doubles. By using the format it will enable teams to take them on and a shock win in one of the categories could upset the apple cart.
well, on a second thought, if a playoff for the third place were to be held, then I guess they should play the dead matches.
Another twist to the selection strategy would be to allow countries to choose their teams after the coin toss and the order of play determined. There would be a no game break rule implemented to encourage teams to field as many players as possible. That way neither team would be totally sure which players theirs would be facing until the the last moment. However this rule would favour teams with depth and generally not using players for multiple disciplines.
That's a good idea. Easiest and fairest format: 1. Every player could only play any one of MS, MD, WS, WD and XD. 2. Play all 5 matches simultaneously.
