Tadworth’s Ben Beckman notched his first major title when he won the men’s singles at the Croatian Open in Zagreb last weekend.

The 22-year-old defeated the number two, five and six seeds en route to the final where he fought out a tense clash with Russian top seed Vladimir Malkov, ranked some 73 places above him in the world.

Beckman lost the first set 21-19 but battled back to come through 21-16 21-19.

He said afterwards: “I felt very relaxed and all my shots seemed to be coming off.

“It still hasn’t sunk in that I have won.

“It makes those countless hours of exhaustive training seem worthwhile.”

Badminton is played by tens of thousands in the UK but is still regarded as a minority sport in the media.

Financial aid and backing by Badminton England, Sport England and the British Olympic Association is restricted to only the leading few players in the country.

Players such as Beckman, who is currently ranked fifth in England, have to support themselves, which is a tall order when, to compete at the top, you have to train full time.

Beckman thanked his parents for their support, his trainer Stuart Wardell, equipment suppliers Yonex and Wimbledon Racquet & Fitness Club.

And his prize for claiming the title after three days’ play? £400.