Hardship has only made Kian Meng and Pei Jing harder to beat

They deserve it: Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing posing with their prizes after winning the Korean Open

PETALING JAYA: Hardship has brought out the best in Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing.

The independent shuttlers were ecstatic after winning their first title in five years when they played superbly in the Korean Open mixed doubles final to beat home pair Ko Sung Hyun-Eom Hye-won 21-15, 21-18 in 50 minutes in Suncheon City yesterday.