NATIONAL singles chief coach Rashid Sidek has challenged Julia Wong and Lydia Cheah to utilise the opportunities they receive from the BA of Malaysia (BAM) to turn into quality international players this year.

The marked decline of Wong Mew Choo, who has been Malaysia's sole flag-bearer in the women's singles for several years, due to injuries has exposed Malaysia to a bleak future in the women's singles.

Mew Choo, ranked World No 11, has lost in all the preliminary rounds in the tournaments she competed since the Beijing Olympics and is currently undergoing rehabilitation for knee and ankle injuries.

Malaysia's main target will be the World Championships in Hyderabad on Aug 10-16 where Rashid expects Julia to carry the burden should Mew Choo remains injured.

Rashid also said Julia and Lydia's progress will be crucial for the Uber Cup Final, which will be held in Kuala Lumpur next year, where Malaysia need to assemble a decent squad as hosts.
"Mew Choo is struggling with injuries and it is going to take some time before she recovers. In the meantime, Julia and Lydia must stand up and be counted," said Rashid.

"Both players have been given regular exposure over the last two years but have not been very consistent.

"Julia has a better temperament and battling skills while Lydia is easily rattled when the going gets tough.

"They must make breakthroughs this year and play the leading roles as Mew Choo is far from her best and this means one of them will get the chance of playing in the World Championships."

Julia and Lydia would be competing in the Malaysia and Korea Opens and Rashid expects them to produce a good result and avoid suffering defeats to unknown players.

Julia has an easy draw in the Malaysia Open where she should make at least the quarter-finals where she is expected to meet World No 1 Zhou Mi of Hong Kong while Lydia must overcome another Hong Kong player Yip Pui Yin, the 2006 Asian Games silver medallist, in the second round.