First time since 1949?

You may be wondering what about the year 1949. It was the year the first Thomas Cup was held.

Since then Malaysia has never failed to qualify for any of the following editions. 2012 may be the first time.

Here's a look at the team that will play in the Finals qualifiers.

Singles
Lee Chong Wei - World No. 1
Hafiz Hashim - World No. 33
Liew Daren - World No. 50
Arif Abdul Latif - World No.52

Doubles
Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong - World No. 6
Lim Kim Wah-Goh V Shem - World No. 33
Hoon Thien How-Teo Kok Siang - scratch pair.

In the past Malaysia would be hoping to add their collection, having last won in 1992.

Never before has the question of not qualifying arose - this time it does.

In fact even BA of Malaysia is cautious.

There seems to be trouble in paradise and BAM are praying Malaysia will not end up in the cut-throat playoff in the qualifiers as carried by The Star.

Meanwhile Hafiz Hashim hopes the rocky road ahead will only spur the shuttlers to scoring an upset.