BADMINTON England today led the tributes to one of the most dedicated figures in the sport with the death of John Gowers, who passed away on Monday. Picture: PETER RICHARDSON

Center Parcs – supported Team England badminton star Lauren Smith was named Cumbria Sports Personality of the Year at the weekend but admitted it was “a surprise” to find out she had made the shortlist.

Susan Egelstaff claimed Team GB's first badminton win of the Olympic Games at Wembley Arena this afternoon when she defeated Slovenia's Maja Tvrdy 21-15 21-10.

The Olympic badminton schedule has been changed significantly following the team managers' meeting and the changes have a big bearing on GB players.

Former world champion and Olympic silver medallist took centre stage for the last time in a glittering badminton career when he carried the Olympic torch to Wembley Arena on the 68th day of the Torch Relay.

England doubles prospects Marcus Ellis and Alex Langley were today named in the British Olympic Association's Olympic Ambition Programme.