PETALING JAYA: Mixed doubles shuttler Toh Ee Wei may not expect a place in the Uber Cup Finals squad but her patriotism leaves no room for doubt if the call comes.
The 25-year-old is ready to step up if needed, putting country above all else, if selected for the tournament from April 24-May 3 in Horsens, Denmark.
Former international Goh Liu Ying believes Ee Wei’s inclusion would be a boost for the women’s team, citing her experience and leadership qualities.
Ee Wei said she would never turn down the offer to represent the country.
"As far as I know, I don’t think I’ll be taking part in the Uber Cup, but representing the team and the country is always an honour," said Ee Wei.
"If my country needs me, that will always come first."
But for now, Ee Wei's main goal with her partner Chen Tang Jie is to narrow the gap with the top three pairs in the world.
The world champions are ranked fourth in the world and the pairs above them are world No. 1 China’s Feng Yanzhe-Huang Dongping, followed by compatriots Jiang Zhenbang-Wei Yaxin, and Thailand’s Dechapol Puavaranukroh-Supissara Paewsampran, ranked third.
Ee Wei admits that her experience on court lacked compared to her opponents, but her fighting spirit is what gives her the edge.
"I don’t think I have as much experience compared to these higher ranked players who have been playing among the elite for a longer time," said Ee Wei.
While Ee Wei and Tang Jie only started playing together three years ago, Yangzhe-Dongping, Zhengbang-Yaxin and Dechapol-Supissara have years of experience under their belts.
Despite considered as the new kids on the block, Ee Wei-Tang Jie did well to win the world title last year.
"I know I need to keep working hard because my experience competing at the highest level has only been from the last few years. I don’t think I'm a very experienced player on court," said Ee Wei.
"But what I do have is my fighting spirit. That’s what I can give."
Ee Wei and Tang Jie were the only pair going the extra mile in training yesterday despite it being a holiday, and hoped their hard work will pay off after losing in the first round of the All-England.
They fell 21-18, 12-21, 23-25 to Denmark’s Rasmus Espersen-Amalie Kudsk in their first meeting.
"There are always expectations and pressure being world champions, but it’s something I have to overcome by facing my problems on court.
"I have to keep learning and trust my partner, team and coach each step of the way," she added.
