Sarah Preece Queens Badminton Club Head Coach and Devon Champion travelled to Minsk in Belarus to play badminton in her first tournament abroad.
Having been successfully accepted into the main draw Sarah came up against Krestina Silich from Belarus ranked 382 in the world and 127 in Europe.
Sarah won the first game 21-15 having put real pressure on Krestina with a very confident start.
In the second game Krestina started to find her rhythm and pace which Sarah found increasingly difficult to contain.
Finally in the third game Kristinas higher ranking and experience paid off with the match win.
Sarah said : This has been an amazing experience where I learnt a lot about travelling and playing internationally. It has inspired me to continue to train and win at this level.
Nick Masson Head of Performance for Queens said: it was a privilege and honour to travel as on court coach to Belarus and be alongside so many national players from all over the world including a strong English contingent.
The club recognises the hours of training Sarah has already devoted to her sport and its exciting to know that this has inspired her to achieve at this level.
Sarah’s next international is closer to home in Cardiff Wales in November.
