PRESTON College sports centre hosted the inaugural Preston School's Under 14 Badminton Tournament on Tuesday which featured the guest appearance of Olympic medallist Simon Archer -- dubbed the 'John McEnroe of Badminton'.
Playing in the BNFL-sponsored tournament was school youngsters from all over Preston, including Ribbleton Hall, Christ the King, Archbishop Temple, Ashton-on-Ribble, Longridge, Tulketh, Corpus Christi, Our Ladies and Fulwood.
Simon Archer, 27, first represented England in 1992 and made the Guinness Book of Records with the world's fastest badminton smash of 162 m.p.h.
He said: "An aggressive and attacking style of play of play along with being very mentally strong, helped me attain an Olympic bronze medal in Sydney.
"This style has given me the name of John McEnroe of badminton."
Speaking about the under-14 tournament, Simon added: "It's important that young players have role models and a goal to strive towards.
"If I can help promote the sport to others then although I may be the first British player to win an Olympic medal, I won't be the last."
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