KUALA LUMPUR: There was no surprise as Malaysia unveiled their strongest lineup, which saw debutant Justin Hoh given the nod against Hong Kong in the opening Group D clash at the Thomas Cup Finals in Chengdu tomorrow.
The 20-year-old Justin was preferred over the experienced Cheam June Wei in the third singles against world No. 91 Chan Yin Chak.
The decision to select the 20-year-old Justin is an encouraging sign, suggesting he may have fully recovered from a knee injury that sidelined him for nearly four months previously.
He returned to competitive action at the Thailand International Challenge but could only reach the second round.
The spotlight will be on Lee Zii Jia to secure the crucial first point in his singles clash against Lee Cheuk Yiu.
Despite Cheuk Yiu leading the head-to-head record at 2-1, Zii Jia emerged victorious in their most recent encounter during the semi-finals of the Denmark Open last October.
If successful, it should put Malaysia a step closer to victory as Malaysia should prove superior in both doubles matches, which feature the top two combinations - Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani.
Aaron-Wooi Yik are expected to dominate against world No. 170 Law Cheuk Him-Yeung Shing Choi, while Sze Fei -Izzuddin, boosted by their runners-up performance at the Asia Championships, should also secure a win against the makeshift duo, Reginald Lee-Tang Chun Man.
Reginald and Chun Man primarily compete in mixed doubles, where they have achieved success as former World Championships bronze medallists with their respective partners.
With Malaysia potentially leading 2-0, the team will look to Jun Hao to seal the deal in the second singles against Angus Ng, placed third in the match order.
Despite the ranking difference, there's a possibility of Jun Hao causing an upset against the struggling world No. 27, who has failed to impress in recent months.
Team lineup (world ranking in bracket)
First singles: Lee Zii Jia (10) v Lee Cheuk Yiu (15).
First doubles: Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik (5) v Law Cheuk Him-Yeung Shing Choi (170).
Second singles: Leong Jun Hao (37) v Angus Ng Kl (27).
Second doubles: Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani (15) v Reginald Lee-Tang Chun Man (n/a).
Third singles: Justin Hoh (232) v Chan Yin Chak (91).
