Malaysia coaching director Wong Choong Hann acknowledged that a young national team may not be ready to upstage the might of China in their Uber Cup clash as he insisted his young charges to focus on Denmark first.

Malaysia are housed in Group D of the Uber Cup along with 14-time champions China, Denmark and Canada.

They open their campaign against Denmark on Saturday, and Wong wants them to concentrate on the European heavyweights first.

“Honestly speaking, we are not strong enough to defeat China. But we will think about China after Denmark. The goal of sending this young squad is to give the shuttlers an opportunity against the stronger players.

“When they play at a higher intensity, they are bound to improve,” said Wong.

Malaysia's Uber Cup squad is made up of players with an average of 23 with 27-year-old Lee Meng Yean, partnering Go Pei Kee in the women's doubles, as the captain.

Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah are the other women’s doubles pair.

In the women’s singles, S.Kisona leads the line and is set to take on world number 12 Mia Blichfeldt in the first singles match, while Eoon Qi Xuan, K.Letshanaa and Siti Nurshuhaini contend to play in the other two women’s singles slots.

Siti had only arrived in Aarhus, Denmark a day later than expected as she only received her first dose of COVID-19 vaccine before flying off.

The 17-year-old was excited at the prospect of being fielded in this team event.

“I’m excited to play in this team event, and will do my best to contribute a point if selected,” she said.

If selected, Siti could play in the third singles match against Line Kjaersfeldt.

After Denmark, Malaysia face China on Sunday and complete their group action against Canada on Monday.