KUALA LUMPUR: Former women's doubles shuttler Amelia Alicia Anscelly believes the national team are good enough to make the semi-finals of the Asia Team Championship and qualify for the Uber Cup Finals in Bangkok in May.
The former Sea Games champion, who is now the Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) coach, said even if the team do not reach the semi-finals, they can still qualify for the Uber Cup based on their overall world ranking.
The women’s team could find it difficult in Alor Star following injury to Lee Meng Yean who has been dropped from the squad.
Amelia said: "I am confident that Malaysia will qualify for the Uber Cup, even if they do not make the semi-finals in Alor Star.
"It's sad that Meng Yean had to be dropped, but I doubt the team would be affected much by her absence as Tee Jing Yi is also an attacking player and has her own strong points."
Two years ago in Hyderabad, Malaysia failed to make the last four at the Asian meet, but still qualified for the Uber Cup in Kunshan, China based on their world ranking. The last time Malaysia failed to qualify for the Uber Cup was in 2012.
As for this year, China and Thailand, have already booked their spots as defending champions and hosts respectively.
Malaysia are in Group Y with Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines in Alor Star. They open against Vietnam on Tuesday.
Amelia quit the national team last year after failing to secure a permanent partner.