The National Under 19 Badminton championships last weekend, at Bath Sports and Leisure Centre, saw Simon Hardcastle, a pupil at The Billericay School, become the youngest winner of the Men's Singles' title.
Still only 16, Simon was seeded fourth for the event and had an easy ride through the early rounds.
However, in the semi-finals he was up against the number one seed, Nathan Rice from Buckinghamshire.
Nathan, 18, who has been the undisputed number one in his age group for many years, was definitely the favourite for a place in the finals.
Simon, however, in a long close match emerged the winner 17-14, 15-11.
In the final, Simon played Toby Honey from Surrey and after another tough match Simon clinched the Championship 15-17, 13-15, 15-12.
Simon's senior ranking has improved from 98 at the beginning of the season to his current 18 position.
Simon stars: Simon Hardcastle, U19 champion at just 16 years old.
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