Meng Yean relishing doubles challenge with Mei Kuan in Uber Cup

SEPANG: Fit-again Lee Meng Yean is adamant that her place in the Uber Cup starting line-up is not under threat as she relishes playing the first women’s doubles with Chow Mei Kuan when the Bangkok Finals start on Sunday.

The 24-year-old Meng Yean has been struggling to stamp her mark since returning to competitive action last month following a three-month injury layoff.

She resumed her partnership with Mei Kuan but the world No. 18 crashed out in the first round of both the Asian Badminton Championships in Wuhan, China, and the New Zealand Open.

Meng Yean, however, stressed that it’s not uncommon for her to take a longer time to rediscover her form after being out for a long period.

“Before I was down injured, we (Mei Kuan and her) were at the top of our performance.

“We ended last season well and got off to a good start in January by reaching the semis of the Thailand Masters.

“So it’s kind of like starting all over again but I thought we made quite a good progress despite losing early in China and New Zealand. I think I have done all the right things to earn a starting spot.

“And my condition is pretty good now and I’m raring to go in Bangkok.

“Playing in a tournament of the highest level like the Uber Cup is going bring out the best in me,” said a pumped- up Mei Kuan before leaving for Bangkok with the team yesterday.

In Meng Yean’s absence, Mei Kuan has fluorished in her scratch combination with Vivian Hoo. The duo were runners- up at the Vietnam International in March before claiming the Commonwealth Games gold in Gold Coast in April.

The other women’s doubles players in the squad are Malaysian International champions Tee Jing Yi-Soong Fie Cho, Vivian and Goh Yea Ching.

Besides reuniting Vivian and Mei Kuan, Malaysia can also opt to combine Jing Yi and Vivian, who proved to be effective during the Asian Team Championships in Alor Setar in February.

If Malaysia decide to stick to Mei Kuan-Meng Yean, then the duo are set to come in as the first doubles.

Mei Kuan said the women’s doubles department could play a big part in helping Malaysia achieve their quarter-final target with the options available.

“It’s good that we have the depth in the women’s doubles. It will keep our opponents guessing about our strategy, making it tough for them to prepare,” said Mei Kuan.

“I can see that Meng Yean is getting back to her best in training recently.

“I’m looking to make up for lost time with her but I’m ready to play with anyone.

“We will let the coaches decide what’s best for the team,” she said.

Malaysia are in Group D with defending champions China, Indonesia and France.