Electronic body protectors and an instant video-replay system are being used for the first time in the World Taekwondo Championships, which take place from today to Sunday at the Ballerup Super Arena in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The biennial five-day tournament, the 19th edition of its kind for men and 12th for women, will have 1,010 exponents of the martial art from a record 142 countries with record coverage by more than 30 TV broadcasters across five continents.
According to WTF president Choue Chungwon, the protectors and video-replay system will be an aid to referees rather than a separate system, which might undermine their judgements. The new rules also call for a reduction of the competition area from 10 metres by 10 metres to 8 by 8 and the introduction of a new scoring system: one point for a valid kick to the trunk protector, two points for a valid turning kick to the trunk protector and three points for a successful kick to the face.
Under a strengthened |10-second rule, a passive athlete will be penalised with a warning, which is worth half |a point to the opponent.
The championships will feature eight weight categories each for male and female athletes.
Thailand has sent a strong field of eight players led by Buttree Puedpong, the Olympic silver medallist in Beijing, and two-time Universiade winner Patiwat Thongsalab.
Among athletes to watch will be Steven Lopez of the United States, who is bidding for a record-breaking fifth |title at the World Championships. Lopez, the gold medallist at both the 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games, and the bronze medallist in the men's 80kg at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, was a gold medal winner in the 2001, 2003, 2005 and 2007 world meets.