ELENA JOHNSON has enjoyed a highly successful appearance at the Lancashire Challenger badminton tournament at Leigh Sports Village.

The Guernsey Commonwealth Games star (pictured) reached the last four in the singles competition and went one better in the doubles, reaching the final with regular partner Kate Lester.

In her opening singles match, Johnson came through in straight sets against Steffi Clarke of Yorkshire, 21-18, 21-18, but then found herself up against a surprise package in the next round.

‘I was expecting to face England under-19 player Laura Mercer in the quarter-finals, but she was surprisingly knocked out by Cristen Callow,’ said the Sarnian.

‘Cristen [Isle of Man] won a bronze medal at the Aland Island Games and has continued to make vast improvements since then. She defeated the junior international very convincingly, 21-11, 21-6.

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