Lee Zii Jia’s potential showdown against Loh Kean Yew is touted as a crucial encounter after Malaysia were drawn with Singapore, Japan and Kazakhstan for the upcoming Asia Team Championships (February 15-20) in Shah Alam.

National men’s singles chief Hendrawan feels Lee would be carrying an important potential first point as he leads the line for the men’s team, especially against Singapore.

"I would say it is a good draw. We have a combination of seniors and juniors to test out in this tournament. Lee will be an important point for us. If he can win, it would automatically give us an advantage.

"It’s hard to comment on his preparation now, as he is no longer under my care. But we also have got Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, as well as Ng Tze Yong whom we hope can deliver the points for us," said Hendrawan after the draw was made on Tuesday.

On paper, Malaysia, who finished as runners-up in 2020, are favourites to proceed from Group B to the semi-finals along with Singapore or Japan.

Although Japanese decided to send over a young and inexperienced squad void of the likes of Kento Momota and Takuro Hoki-Yugo Kobayashi, they cannot be overlooked at any cost.

Singapore would bank on reigning world champion Loh to give them the lead as the first men’s singles player, while minnows Kazakhstan are unlikely to be a significant threat.

Hendrawan also hinted that the younger shuttlers like Aidil Sholeh and Jacky Kok could be given a run-out against Kazakhstan.

Meanwhile, reigning champions Indonesia are in Group A along with India, South Korea and Hong Kong.

In the women’s competition, Malaysia are in Group Y along with defending champions Japan and India, and Group Z is made up of South Korea, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Kazakhstan.

The top four teams from both categories automatically qualify for the Thomas & Uber Cup Finals in May.