KUALA LUMPUR: The S. Sivasangari-led national women's squad hope to defy the odds and finish top four at the World Team Championships in Hong Kong on Dec 9-15.
The other members of the women's team are world No. 19 Rachel Arnold, who won the recent China Open and the Azman sisters, Aira (No. 31) and Aifa (No. 37).
Sivasangari, the world No. 9, has had a decent season and should be the one to watch in the tournament.
Defending champions Egypt are the top seeds but will be without world No. 2 Nouran Gohar, who will undergo surgery soon.
Despite her absence, Egypt remain the favourites, with world No. 1 Nour El Sherbini, Hania El Hammamy, Rowan Elaraby and rising star Amina Orfi in their squad.
The United States are seeded second, followed by England and Belgium.
In the 2022 edition, Malaysia finished joint third despite missing Sivasangari, who was recovering from a car accident.
Malaysia's best-ever result was a runner-up finish to England in 2014 in Canada.
National coach Andrew Cross believes the women's team have a fighting chance of reaching the semi-finals again.
"However, much will depend on the draw, which has yet to be released," said Andrew.
In the men's competition, Malaysia will be led by world No. 14 Ng Eain Yow, fresh off his victory at the Malaysia Cup.
He will be joined by Addeen Idrakie, Sanjay Jeeva and Syafiq Kamal.
"The men's event will be tougher, but we'll be pleased if they improve on their 11th-place finish at the 2023 edition in New Zealand," added Andrew.