KUALA LUMPUR: The expansive Rexy Mainaky, who usually has something to say, is keeping mum this time.
The national coaching director is still keeping Malaysia's list of shuttlers for the Asian Mixed Team Championships in Qingdao, China from Feb 11-16 under wraps.
And everyone is wondering whether Rexy will select in-form professional players for the Sudirman Cup qualifier.
"Please wait until Thursday when I make the official announcement," Rexy told reporters after a training session at Academy Badminton Malaysia today.
"I will explain the process then," he added.
Independent men's doubles Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsami are making a strong claim for a place in the team for the Asian event after capturing the India Open crown last week.
Another independent pair, mixed doubles, Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai are also in good form, having advanced to the Malaysia Open and India Open semi-finals.
However, men's singles star, Lee Zii Jia, is skipping all tournaments in January to focus on recovering from an ankle injury sustained at the World Tour Finals last month. It's still uncertain if he is fit to play in any tournaments next month.
Malaysia are in Group B with archrivals Indonesia, Hong Kong and Kazakhstan in the Asian Mixed Team Championships. The top four teams will qualify for the Sudirman Cup in Xiamen on April 27-May 4.
On Malaysia's challenge in Qingdao, Rexy said: "We must show that Malaysia is one of the best nations in badminton.
"So the goal is to qualify for the Sudirman Cup on merit."
If Malaysia fail to reach the semi-finals of the Asian Mixed Team Championships, they can still qualify for the Sudirman Cup as the No. 5 team in the world.
Malaysia, who are seeded fifth in the Asian meet. have never reached for the semi-finals of the event before.