KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia have named their strongest lineup for the Thomas Cup semi-final clash against hosts China in Chengdu later today.
Leading the charge in men's singles is former All England champion and world No. 10 Lee Zii Jia, who will take on China's Shi Yu Qi.
Former men's doubles world champions Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik will be up against world No. 1 Liang Wei Keng-Wang Chang in the next match.
On paper, Zii Jia and Aaron-Wooi Yik have only defeated their respective opponents once in previous meetings.
In second singles, former Asian junior champion Leong Jun Hao faces a tough test against reigning Asian Games champion Li Shi Feng.
Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin, who have yet to lose a match in Chengdu, will play He Ji Ting-Ren Xiang Yu, while 20-year-old Justin Hoh has once again been chosen to play the deciding singles match.
World No. 233 Justin will take on world No. 19 Lu Guang Zu.
For the record, should China win, it will be their 13th final in the Thomas Cup since 1984.
Malaysia last reached the final 10 years ago in New Delhi.
THOMAS CUP
S-FINALS (world rankings in brackets)
First singles: Lee Zii Jia (10) v Shi Yu Qi (2)
First doubles: Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik (5) v Liang Wei Keng-Wang Chang (1)
Second singles: Leong Jun Hao (37) v Li Shi Feng (6)
Second doubles: Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani (15) v He Ji Ting-Ren Xiang Yu (11)
Third singles: Justin Hoh (233) vs Lu Guang Zu (19)