Newly crowned Korea Open champions Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing revealed a change in tactics by coach Chin Eei Hui as a catalyst for their victory over South Korea’s Ko Sung-hyun-Eom Hye-won for their first title in five years.

Tan-Lai won 21-15, 21-18 to cap a stupendous outing for the pair, who had won all their matches in straight games, en route to the Super 500 event title.

“We were struggling a bit in the first game and coach Chin asked us to change our game plan and it worked. We were quite defensive at the start, and when we upped the tempo it started to pay off.

“She also advised us to not try and kill off the shuttle too fast. We were rushing to get the points before that by simply using brute force,” said Tan.

Lai echoed his sentiments, adding: “It was a final and of course we were excited to try and win. But it was crucially important that we handled the pressure well, and not let our excitement get in the way.”

Before this, the pair last won at the 2017 Malaysia Masters when they beat Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai in straight games.

Much changed since, with the pair finding renewed turn in fortunes as an independent pair.

The national body had dropped Lai from their stable last year, and Tan made a bold decision to leave in order to be reunited with her and continue their journey as a pair.

The pair, who would take ninth spot on the world rankings as a result of their victory, had been in great form this year with 11 victories from 15 matches.

Prior to this, they also reached the semis of the India and Swiss Open, as well as quarter-finals showings at the German Open and All-England.

“We have always given our best on court. Even at the Swiss Open when we lost, we were not too discouraged as we felt our performance was good. That gave us the motivation to work harder for the Korea Open,” said Lai.

Tan-Lai would most likely skip the Korea Masters taking place this week to gear up preparations for the Badminton Asia Championships (April 26-May 1) taking place in Manila.