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.

No sign of hope!

Let's face it - when Lee Chong Wei retires after the Olympics or some time next year, Malaysia will be no where to be seen in the badminton scene.

His replacement

Liew Daren

The 25-year-old is far from what Chong Wei is or ever was in recent years.

There is no one ready to step up, besides Zulfadli Zulkifli. But that boy is still only 18 and will need lots of nurturing despite already winning the World and Asian junior titles last year.

BAM secretary is aware of the situation and disappointingly admitted that it will take two to three for a new talent to emerged.

Well that's only singles you may say. but what about the doubles department.

Sadly, after showing all sorts of promise in the past, Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong have only showed signed of a fall and have admitted to needing soul searching.

Read Trouble in paradise in today's Mailsport for a wrap-up on the recently concluded Malaysia Open SuperSeries.

Let's not celebrate yet!

Chong Wei has won two of the two Super Series tournaments so far - the Korean Open and Malaysia Open.

Some are starting to jump on the bandwagon that he is ready to bring Malaysia her first Olympic gold medal. But let's not get overly excited.

Thankfully Chong Wei and his coach, Tey Seu Bock, are well aware there is more work to be done.

The Korean Open deserves credit as he defeated Lin Dan, arguably his only competitor for the Olympics gold medal, in the final. But what about the Malaysia Open?

Indeed he barely had to work hard, except against Chen Long, for the title despite China sending Lin Dan and Chen Jin as well. Lin Dan, as we all know pulled out his antics yet again!!! (read previous post to get an understanding.

Anyway Seu Bock had this to say 

"He is still not at 100 percent and will need to push harder. China will surely have something up their sleeves for the London Olympics..." 

Damm right! Keep up the good work Chong Wei.

Read Chong Wei: I'm not done yet and Seu Bock cautious of Chinese assault in today's Mailsport.

Step up Zulfadli!

A heir to Lee Chong Wei's crown may have been found - although it may take several years and may be too early to say but signs look promising.

Step up Zulfadli Zulkifi - first he won the Asian Junior Championship in July, being the first Malaysian to do so, and now the World Junior Championship.

                        Zulfadli after winning the Asian title


Coached by his dad Zulkifli Sidek - no connection to the Sidek brothers here though - the KLRC player can only scale greater heights. BA of Malaysia (BAM) have already offered him a place but the 18-year-old doesn't want to turn his back on the club who has been supporting him for the last four years, as he told The Malay Mail here.

Haresh Deol has the story on his world junior title here.

KLRC could have a gem in their hands..... All the best Zulfadli.