KUALA LUMPUR: The World Tour Finals (WTF) could serve as the perfect farewell gift for Lee Zii Jia's coach, Wong Tat Meng, if the shuttler wins the title in Hangzhou next week.
Former national coach Rashid Sidek believes Zii Jia should honour Tat Meng for revitalising his career over the past 18 months by clinching the title in their final outing together.
Tat Meng announced on Friday that he will not renew his contract with Team LZJ after it expires on Dec 31, making the WTF his last assignment with the world No. 8.
Under Tat Meng's guidance, Zii Jia returned to the world's top 10, claimed an Olympic bronze medal at the Paris Games and captured three World Tour titles.
At the WTF, Zii Jia faces a tough Group A, which includes top seed Anders Antonsen of Denmark, third seed Chou Tien Chen of Taiwan and reigning Asian Games champion Li Shi Feng of China.
Rashid is confident Zii Jia has the ability to emerge as the group winner and progress to the semi-finals.
"Zii Jia should win it for Tat Meng as the perfect parting gift for his coach," said Rashid.
"There is no denying that Tat Meng has done an excellent job transforming Zii Jia into an Olympic medallist. That is not an easy feat.
"While Zii Jia already had the talent, he needed someone to help him regain his confidence, and Tat Meng played that mentoring role admirably.
"Zii Jia has beaten Antonsen, Shi Feng and Tien Chen in the past, and I believe he can reach the semi-finals.
"If he stays focused, Zii Jia can beat anyone on his day, making it a special occasion for Tat Meng in Hangzhou."
However, Rashid noted that Zii Jia's physical condition and final preparations would play a crucial role in his campaign.
"Zii Jia will be up against the best in the world, and there are no easy matches. His physical condition will be key to steering him all the way," Rashid added.
Group B will feature world No. 1 Shi Yu Qi of China, Japan's fourth seed Kodai Naraoka, reigning world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand and Indonesia's world No. 4 Jonatan Christie.
Commenting on Tat Meng's decision to part ways with Zii Jia, Rashid said he was not surprised, describing his former teammate as a free-spirited and adventurous professional.
"Tat Meng is always brave when it comes to taking on fresh challenges," said Rashid.
"It wasn't a surprise when he announced his departure after achieving his objectives with Zii Jia."
Tat Meng will likely move to Sydney next year to work at a club managed by his close friend and former national player, Asok Boopathy.