Horsens: The presence of professional singles player Lee Zii Jia in Malaysia's 2026 Thomas Cup team will be able to spur his teammates to do their best during the tournament in Horsens, Denmark this April 24 to May 3, according to national badminton legend Datuk Rashid Sidek. According to BERNAMA News Agency, Rashid pointed out that Zii Jia still had a big influence as a world-famous player, having won the 2021 All-England, even with his less-than-satisfactory performance after his return from injury. He emphasized that Zii Jia's presence will at least strengthen the team and raise their spirits. Previously, other players besides Zii Jia, if selected, did not have name recognition, leading to a significant difference in terms of their standard. Rashid noted that well-known players are capable of having a big influence in team events, and with Zii Jia, there is a chance of winning. Rashid further suggested that Zii Jia might be better suited being fielded as the third singles player based on his current perf ormance, which would strengthen the chance of the national team securing the winning point during tournament matches. He remarked that having Zii Jia as the third singles would provide Malaysia with a strong player capable of competing with other teams. Though Zii Jia is a famous player and a former All-England champion, Rashid highlighted the importance of his current fitness level. He expressed hope that Zii Jia would be ready to undertake the responsibility as the third singles and perform his best if given the chance to play at Horsens. Alongside Zii Jia, the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) announced three other singles players in the Thomas Cup lineup yesterday - Leong Jun Hao, Justin Hoh, and Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin, as well as men's double pairs - Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun, and professional duo Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Mohd Rumsani. The Malaysian Thomas Cup squad has been drawn in Group B together with Japan, England, and Finland.