KUALA LUMPUR: The idea was right, but the execution was poor, as Malaysia once again fell short in their bid to defeat six-time European champions Denmark in the group stage of the Uber Cup in Bangkok today.
Even a win from two-time world junior champion Goh Jin Wei, who came out of retirement to compete professionally, failed to help Malaysia break their Uber Cup jinx against the Danes, who secured a 3-2 win in Group C.
Malaysia, who have never made it to the last-eight stage since the 2010 edition in Kuala Lumpur, now face a do-or-die mission when they take on group favourites Thailand in the second group tie on Monday.
Thailand had earlier thrashed minnows Egypt 5-0 to take top spot in the group.
Only the top two teams will reach the quarter-finals.
Despite the narrow defeat, Jin Wei saw a lot of positives and still believes that Malaysia can turn things around.
"I have always enjoyed playing in team events, and I'm very happy to have contributed a point for the team.
"I was a little nervous because I have not played in so long, and all the top players are here.
"I believe nothing is impossible, and anything can still happen because we have a strong team.
"Thailand are the favourites, and they will have the home support, but I believe we can achieve what we want to," Jin Wei said following her superb 21-12, 11-21, 21-5 upset over world No 22 Line Christophersen that gave Malaysia a 2-1 lead in the tie.
Earlier, Denmark's world No 14 Mia Blichfeldt defeated S. Kisona 21-14, 21-15 in the first singles match before Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah levelled the score with a convincing 21-19, 21-19 win over Maiken Fruergaard-Sara Thygesen in the first doubles match.
Malaysia should have secured the tie in the second doubles match, but Anna Cheong-Teoh Mei Xing failed to overcome the scratch pairing of Alexandra Boje-Amelie Magelund, losing in straight games 21-14, 21-10.
Uber Cup debutante Myisha Khairul gave a good account of herself but seasoned shuttler Line Kjaersfeldt was just too strong for the 19-year-old Malaysian, who succumbed to a 21-12, 21-9 defeat in the deciding singles match.
Meanwhile, the Malaysian men's team will also be in action tomorrow when they play England in the opening Group D tie of the Thomas Cup.