Zii Jia in third singles could see Malaysia win next year's Thomas Cup [WATCH]

KUALA LUMPUR: Lee Zii Jia could hold the key as Malaysia bid to end their 34-year wait for the Thomas Cup in Denmark next year.

The former All England champion, who played just five tournaments this year due to ankle and back injuries, has slipped to world No. 144.

But his low ranking could work to Malaysia's advantage in a team competition.

Zii Jia could be deployed as third singles — a role previously filled by legendary players such as two-time Olympic champion Lin Dan during the latter stages of his career with China.

Men's doubles star Aaron Chia believes the independent shuttler's presence in the crucial position would strengthen Malaysia's challenge in the Thomas Cup from April 24-May 3.

Although China did not require Lin Dan's services in the third singles in the 2018 final in Bangkok, as they sealed their 10th title early, Malaysia would benefit from Zii Jia's proven reliability in team events.

That is why Aaron is hoping Zii Jia, along with Ng Tze Yong, can make a full recovery from injury to reinforce Malaysia's weakened singles department.

"Next year, we will probably focus more on the Asian Games and the Thomas Cup," said Aaron.

"The chances are definitely there and we are hopeful, as we have not won titles in these two events for a long time.

"I think it is also a good strategy to have Zii Jia as third singles. In the past, we saw players like Lin Dan playing in that role.

"That is one possible approach, but of course I am not saying Zii Jia should deliberately drop his ranking just to play third singles.

"We hope players like Zii Jia and Tze Yong can return as soon as possible, as well as Leong Jun Hao and Justin Hoh. We really need a strong squad to compete for the Thomas Cup."

Malaysia's lack of depth in singles was exposed recently when world No. 28 Jun Hao and world No. 39 Justin were unable to prevent a 3-0 defeat to Indonesia in the men's team final at the Thailand SEA Games three weeks ago.

Zii Jia's prolonged absence has seen his ranking tumble, and realistically, he is likely to remain behind Jun Hao and Justin when the Thomas Cup begins in April.

The 26-year-old will make his competitive return at the Malaysia Open from Jan 6-11, having qualified for the Super 1000 event through his protected ranking of world No. 8.

He has resumed training and is eager to get back into action.

Malaysia remain strong in the doubles, with world No. 2 Aaron-Soh Wooi Yik, world No. 4 Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun and independent world No. 7 Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani all in the line-up.

On a personal level, Aaron is targeting his first Super 1000 title with Wooi Yik, in addition to success at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya from Sept 19-Oct 4.

Aaron-Wooi Yik have yet to win a Super 1000 title, while former greats Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong remain the last Malaysians to claim Asian Games men's doubles gold at the 2006 Doha edition.

"The two tournaments — the Thomas Cup and the Asian Games — are the most important next year," added Aaron.

"For us, we also want to win a Super 1000 title."

The world No. 2 will restart their World Tour campaign at the Malaysia Open at the Axiata Arena, the first Super 1000 event of the year.

They will also play in the All England, Indonesia Open and China Open as they chase their elusive breakthrough at the highest World Tour level.

At the Asian Games, Aaron-Wooi Yik's best result remains the bronze medal they won at the 2022 Hangzhou Games, and they will be aiming to go even better in Aichi-Nagoya.