There is still hope for independent men's doubles Wong Tien Ci-Boon Xin Yuan to make an impact in badminton.
Although Tien Ci-Xin Yuan have never played for the national team, they are slowly making inroads following their decision to team up as a pair late last year.
On Saturday, Tien Ci-Xin Yuan won their second title in as many weeks by capturing the Slovak Open in Trenchin.
The success came after their Uganda International victory last week.
In the final, the world No 212 defeated seventh seeds Law Cheuk Him-Reginald Lee of Hong Kong 21-18, 14-21, 21-19 in 43 minutes.
The Malaysian pair had defeated Japan's Ayato Endo-Yuta Takei, who shocked world No 7 Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik at the recent Asia Team Championships, in the quarter-finals and fourth seeds Wei Chun Wei-Wu Guan Xun of Taiwan in the semi-finals.
Tien Ci said they are keeping their feet firmly on the ground as they switch their attention to next week's Portugal International.
"We are very happy to clinch our second straight title as a pair. This is not an easy feat for any pair playing in international tournaments," said Tien Ci.
"But we have to keep our celebration short and sweet as we have to prepare for the Portugal International."
Tien Ci said he was delighted that his partnership with Xin Yuan was paying dividends.
He had played with four different partners, including Yap Qar Siong, before pairing up with Xin Yuan.
"We share the same vision and goals, and we intend to play as a pair for many years to come.
"We are happy with our progress, and hopefully, we can make it to the elite level one day.
"I think our sparring sessions with Malaysia's top independent pairs like Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi together with the systematic training under coaches Chin Eei Hui and Ong Ewe Hock has helped us with our game," he added.