PETALING JAYA: Three debutants in Malaysia’s Uber Cup squad are ready to rise to the occasion when the tournament gets underway tomorrow.
But women’s doubles pair Low Zi Yu-Noraqilah Maisarah Ramdan, together with Chong Jie Yu, who was drafted in at the eleventh hour to replace the injured Pearly Tan, know the task ahead will be anything but easy.
Malaysia have been drawn in Group B alongside six-time champions Japan, Turkiye and South Africa.
Still, the trio are determined to make their mark and do more than just gain experience, as they aim to help Malaysia end a 16-year wait for a place in the quarter-finals.
“Of course we want to give our best performance, and if selected to play, we will try our best,” said Zi Yu, who will turn 16 in August.
Despite being ranked No. 143 in the world, Zi Yu and 18-year-old Noraqilah have already shown they are not overawed by more experienced opponents.
They made a strong statement when called up at the last minute for the Asian Team Championships, delivering a crucial point against China with a win over Luo Yi–Wang Tingge.
Even so, Noraqilah admitted her selection came as a surprise, given the presence of higher-ranked senior players.
“Personally, I was surprised to be selected for this squad because there are still many seniors ranked higher than me, so we really did not expect it,” she said.
Also relishing the opportunity is Jie Yu, 20, who will be featuring in the biggest tournament of her career after making her senior breakthrough at the Asian Championships in Ningbo three weeks ago.
“I feel happy and excited. I will give my best here,” said Jie Yu.
Jie Yu usually partners Vanessa Ng, but for the Uber Cup, it remains unclear whether she will team up with M. Thinaah or form a scratch partnership with another teammate.
Also set to make their Uber Cup debuts are women’s doubles pair Carmen Ting-Ong Xin Yee.
