KUALA LUMPUR: Despite being labelled as underdogs at the Uber Cup Finals, the national women's squad will be determined to prove themselves against their more favoured opponents in Chengdu as they begin their campaign against Taiwan in Group B tomorrow.
The odds are stacked against the team, with only key players like Goh Jin Wei and Teoh Mei Xing being the most recognisable faces, regularly appearing on the World Tour.
However, the team will seek to give their illustrious opponents a tough challenge.
Malaysia are expected to field their "best available" lineup, featuring Jin Wei, K. Letshanaa, and Wong Ling Ching for the singles matches.
The doubles slots are likely to be filled by Mei Xing-Go Pei Kee and Ho Lo Ee-Tan Zhing Yi.
While Taiwan may not traditionally be considered Uber Cup giants, the team led by world No. 5 Tai Tzu Ying are formidable.
She is likely to be joined by world No. 27 Hsu Wen Chi and No. 30 Pai Yu Po in the singles matches.
For the women's doubles roster, world No. 24 Hsu Ya Ching-Lin Wan Ching and No. 37 Chang Chin Hui-Yang Ching Tun are expected to be the preferred picks.
"We have nothing to lose and will fight hard," said Jin Wei
"We have travelled all the way here for the tournament, no matter win or lose we must go all out and give it 101 per cent!"
The other two teams in the group are Thailand and Australia.
Malaysia will take on Thailand tomorrow before wrapping up their campaign against Australia on Wednesday.
The last time Malaysia made it past the group stage was in 2010.