KUALA LUMPUR: Leong Jun Hao, the youngest member of Malaysia’s Thomas Cup team, believes they can spring a surprise in Bangkok as the tournament starts on Sunday.
Jun Hao, 19, is the fourth singles on the pecking order, behind former World No 1 Lee Chong Wei, Lee Zii Jia and Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin.
The BA of Malaysia's (BAM) decision to field a younger squad for the Thomas Cup has drawn mixed reactions, but former Asian junior champion Jun Hao remains calm ahead of his debut.
"I believe the uncertainty surrounding the team will work in our favour. On paper we don't look strong, but that's good as we can pull off some surprises," said Jun Hao, who was also a finalist at the World Junior Championships last year.
"The team are in good spirits, and I am confident of making a good debut in Bangkok."
It has been 26 years since Malaysia last won the coveted trophy, and hopes are high on the national team to finally end the drought.
On whether the goal is possible with the current squad, Jun Hao said: "We will all give our best, that is for sure.
"Let's take things one match at a time. We have a target (semi-finals), we want to achive that first."
Malaysia have been drawn in Group D with defending champions Denmark, Russia and Algeria.
The national team will open their campaign on Monday at the IMPACT Arena, against Russia.