PETALING JAYA: National shuttler Toh Ee Wei’s experience could prove valuable if she is selected for the Uber Cup Finals for the first time.
Ee Wei, who won the mixed doubles world title with Chen Tang Jie last year, could add depth to the women’s doubles department during the team event in Horsens, Denmark, from April 24-May 3.
She had a taste of the role when she was fielded with Go Pei Kee as the second doubles against Indonesia during the SEA Games team competition in Thailand last December.
Ee Wei was unable to contribute a point and Malaysia eventually lost 2-3 to their neighbours in the semi-finals, but the experience remains invaluable.
This time, she could even pair up with Teoh Mei Xing, as Pei Kee has since left the national set-up.
The current top two pairs are world No. 2 Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah and Ong Xin Yee-Carmen Ting (No. 25).
Former mixed doubles star Goh Liu Ying has backed Ee Wei’s inclusion in the squad and believes she should focus solely on doubles.
"I don’t think she should play in the singles, but having her in the team is definitely a big plus,” said Liu Ying.
"She’s a world champion and ranked in the top five in mixed doubles, so beyond just playing, she brings experience and leadership.
"And she can always be used as a secret weapon if needed. I’ve experienced the same during the Uber Cup."
Liu Ying, who formed a formidable partnership with Chan Peng Soon en route to winning silver at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, competed in the 2008, 2010 and 2016 Uber Cup editions, with the last being particularly memorable.
"In 2016, I was teamed up with Vivian Hoo as the second doubles and we managed to upset the Danish pair, although Malaysia eventually lost 2-3," she said.
"It’s always good to have a top player in the team, unless she is injured."
Liu Ying added that while a mixed doubles player can adapt to women’s doubles, it depends on the individual.
"Of course, the gameplay will be slightly different. The mixed player must undergo proper training so the combination can gel before the tournament. But I don’t think it will be an issue for an experienced player like Ee Wei.”
Malaysia have been drawn in Group B with Japan, Turkiye and South Africa in the Uber Cup, and have a good chance of reaching the quarter-finals as one of the top two teams.
The BA of Malaysia will have to submit the names of their final squad for both the Thomas and Uber Cup Finals by April 10.
