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rising star in the country's 10-member Uber Cup squad, Maria Febe Kusumastuti has set her heart on winning points in every match she plays at the upcoming Asia Zone qualifier in Thailand.

"I will play my very best and give points in every match I enter. I will not let down my club *Djarum* and PBSI *Indonesian Badminton Association*, who have chosen me to be a part of the Uber Cup team," said Febe, 20, who has been with her club since 2001.

Febe is one of the country's five female shuttlers alongside Aprilia Yuswandari, Shendy Puspa Irawati, Meiliana Jauhari and Nitya Krishinda Maheswari who will participate for the first time in the biennial Uber Cup Asian qualifier in Thailand from Feb. 22-28.

"I have long desired to be part of the Uber Cup team," said the shuttler, who two years ago failed to make the team because of surgery.

Febe is ranked 27th in the latest edition of the Badminton World Federation (BWF)'s rankings as of Feb. 11.

Febe will play as the second single shuttler in the squad, following first singles and world number 22 Adrianti Firdasari. The country's former top shuttler, Maria Kristin Yulianti, now ranked 53, will be the third singles and followed by fourth singles Aprilia Yuswandari.

Although not yet registered at the national training camp in Cipayung, East Jakarta, Febe has undergone intensive training there since January in preparation for the Uber Cup Asian qualifier.

She is also preparing to participate in the All England Super Series in Birmingham from Mar. 9-14 and the Swiss Open Super Series in Basel from Mar. 16-21.

The Thomas and Uber Cup squads will depart for Thailand on Feb. 18. The Indonesian Uber Cup team is placed in the same group with badminton juggernauts South Korea and the rapidly improving Thailand.

Febe spoke to reporters after winning an award from Djarum badminton club for breaking into the top-20 world rankings as of Dec. 31. She won Rp 90 million (US$9,780) in cash.

Eight other young shuttlers from the club were also awarded for their achievements at the recent national championship and BWF world rankings at the award ceremony held Friday by Djarum club and Flypower badminton equipment maker.

The club awarded Rp 295 million in bonuses.

Men's singles Dionysius Hayom Rumbaka was a recipient after reaching the number 30 world rank in December as well as winning the Romania Banuinvest International, the Australia Grand Prix Open and the Indonesia International Challenge last year.