PETALING JAYA: The race for the fourth singles spot in the Uber Cup Finals is still open.
While much of the spotlight is on the men’s squad to deliver in the Thomas Cup Finals in Horsens, Denmark, from April 24-May 3, the women’s team also have a genuine chance to clear their group stage this time.
Malaysia have a strong chance of ending their 16-year wait for a quarter-final spot after being drawn in Group B with Japan, Turkiye and South Africa.
The last time the national women’s team reached the Uber Cup quarter-finals was in the 2010 edition in Kuala Lumpur.
In the seven editions since, including Chengdu two years ago, the team have fallen short at the group stage.
Almost certain in the women’s singles players list are K. Letshanaa, Wong Ling Ching and Goh Jin Wei.
Those in the running are Siti Zulaikha Azmi and Oo Shan Zi. Zulaikha represented Malaysia at the last edition in Chengdu two years ago.
National singles coaching director Kenneth Jonassen confirmed he would finalise the fourth candidate.
“Of course, since we haven’t made an official announcement, I can’t reveal the name, but we’re looking at it,” said Jonassen.
“It’s very important that we’re trying to get the strongest possible team available and one that can meet the demands needed to achieve a strong result at the Uber Cup. So yes, we’re finalising and still monitoring the players’ progress in training.
“So yes, I’m very hopeful. I think we can achieve a strong result with the women’s team and we will do our best from the singles side to be ready.
World No. 2 Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah will lead the doubles cast.
Teoh Mei Xing has opted out after losing her partner Go Pei Kee, who has left the national stable, while mixed doubles player Toh Ee Wei will not be included for the trip to Horsens.
This leaves the responsibility for the second and third women’s doubles pairs set to fall on the current crop of young combinations, including Carmen Ting-Ong Xin Yee, Chong Jie Yu-Vanessa Ng, as well as rising pair Low Zi Yu-Noraqilah Maisarah Ramdan.
All three pairs will be in action at the Asian Championships in Ningbo next week, where they will have the chance to stake their claim for places in the Uber Cup squad.
The deadline to submit player entries for the Thomas and Uber Cup is April 10.
