KUALA LUMPUR: Lee Zii Jia has been named in Malaysia's squad for the Thomas Cup Finals, much to the relief of fans after doubts of his participation earlier.
BA of Malaysia (BAM), who released the team list today, opted for a five-man singles line-up with Ng Tze Yong, Leong Jun Hao, Cheam June Wei and Justin Hoh.
The doubles department saw Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani get the nod with high-flying Haikal Nazri making up the team.
As for the Uber Cup, Malaysia will be without the services of top doubles pair Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah. The move did not come as a surprise, however, as Coaching Director Rexy Mainaky had previously indicated that he would prefer Pearly-Thinaah to concentrate on the Paris Olympics given the women's team's lack of strength to contend for the Uber Cup title.
The Malaysian women's team will also feature a five-singles line-up comprising Goh Jin Wei, K. Letshanaa, Wong Ling Ching, Siti Nurshuhaini Azman and Siti Zulaikha Azmi.
Teoh Mei Xing, the most experienced player in the women's squad, has been entrusted to lead an inexperienced doubles line-up that comprises Go Pei Kee, Tan Zhing Yi, Ho Lo Ee and Chan Wen Tse.
Rexy, without going into details about Zii Jia's inclusion, said that the player selections were made after thorough discussions with his coaching staff.
"We have been monitoring the players during training in recent months. After evaluating their condition and form, the coaching team has finalised the squad," said Rexy.
"I am confident that the selected players are eager to compete in the most prestigious team event in the world. Some younger players in both the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup squads will be determined to prove themselves and deliver strong performances."
THE SQUADS:
THOMAS CUP
Singles: Lee Zii Jia, Ng Tze Yong, Leong Jun Hao, Cheam June Wei and Justin Hoh.
Doubles: Aaron Chia, Soh Wooi Yik, Goh Sze Fei, Nur Izzuddin Rumsani and Haikal Nazri.
UBER CUP
Singles: Goh Jin Wei, K. Letshanaa, Wong Ling Ching, Siti Nurshuhaini Azman and Siti Zulaikha Azmi.
Doubles: Teoh Mei Xing, Go Pei Kee, Tan Zhing Yi, Ho Lo Ee and Chan Wen Tse.