Young ace Jessica is European No 1
Wednesday 16th September 2009, 3:38PM BST.
Young Shropshire badminton ace Jessica Pugh has become the leading European player for her age group.
The 12-year-old from Telford produced a brilliant performance to win an international tournament in Malmo, Sweden.
Representing England in the under-13 singles, Jessica started as she meant to go on with two convincing singles victories over home players.
Her biggest test came at the quarter-final stage, but Jessica was up to the challenge as she knocked out top seed Julie Jenson of Denmark 22-20, 21-14.
The third seed Sara Lungaard, also of Denmark, was next to feel the full force of the Charlton School pupil in the semi-final as Jessica ran out a 17-21, 21-8, 21-19 winner.
To top off a great weekend, Jessica then claimed the final by defeating another top young Dane Mia Blichfeldt 19-21, 21-11, 21-18.
The performance drew praise from Badminton England head coach Tom Causer, while Jessica also reached the quarter-finals of the under-15 mixed and under-13 girls doubles.
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