KUALA LUMPUR: Lee Zii Jia urged his men's singles compatriots to rise to the occasion when they face Denmark in their final Thomas Cup Group D tie on Tuesday.
Malaysia, who last won the title in 1992, have booked their quarter-final spot following 5-0 wins over Hong Kong and Algeria in Chengdu, China.
However, all eyes will be on the crunch match against Denmark as it will determine the group champions, ultimately securing a seeded spot in the quarter-finals.
On paper, Denmark, comprising reigning Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen and European champion Anders Antonsen, are the favourites.
But world No. 10 Zii Jia is not writing off a possible Malaysian upset.
"As underdogs, we will fight because anything is possible.
"I agree that our strength lies in the men's doubles. Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik are consistent, while Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani are in top form.
"But our men's singles players must work hard and do their part as well.
"From our first two ties, we saw Leong Jun Hao upset Hong Kong's Angus Ng, with debutant Justin Hoh winning both his matches.
"These players have proven they can beat higher-ranked opponents. Now it's time to step up and defeat even better players.
"I believe in my teammates," Zii Jia told the BA of Malaysia in an interview on Sunday.
The former All England champion admitted that he must be at his best to beat Axelsen in the first singles match.
This was in response to the Dane's slow start to the season this year.
"Yes, we can say that Axelsen has been struggling a little this season, but let's not forget that he is still world No. 1, the reigning Olympic champion, and has won the World Championships and the Thomas Cup.
"Even if his form has dropped, it's not much. To beat him, I must be in my best shape," added Zii Jia, who has only downed the great Dane three times in their last eight meetings.
The last time both these countries met was in the group stage of the 2018 edition in Bangkok, with Denmark winning the tie 3-2.
In 2016, Denmark defeated Malaysia 3-2 in the semi-finals before winning their maiden Thomas Cup by overcoming Indonesia 3-2 in the final.
Possible line-up (world rankings in brackets)
Lee Zii Jia (10) vs Viktor Axelsen (1),
Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik (5) vs Kim Astrup-Anders Skaarup Rasmussen (4),
Leong Jun Hao (37) vs Anders Antonsen (4),
Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani (15) vs Rasmus Kjaer-Frederik Sogaard (18),
Cheam June Wei (63) vs Rasmus Gemke (26).