BADMINTON starlet Brooke Stalker has made history by becoming the first Scottish girls’ singles winner of a prestigious international tournament in Belgium.

And the talented 12-year-old almost immediately followed it up by winning a clean sweep of singles, doubles and mixed doubles titles at last weekend’s National Junior Under-13 Badminton Championships.

Queen Anne High School pupil Brooke was in action at the Victor Junior Olve Jot Tournament, which takes place annually over the Easter weekend and attracts some of Europe’s top talents at under-11, under-13, under-15 and under-17 level.

Competing in the under-13 age group, she was unseeded going into the singles but a superb performance saw her battle her way through to the final against Thailand’s Sabrina Sophita Wedler.

A 21-18, 21-19 victory saw her claim an achievement that has eluded some of the best players Scotland has produced, and Brooke said: “She was expected to win and is really good.

“I hoped to get to the quarter-finals. Once I got past the quarter-finals, it was about experience and there was no pressure on me. When I’m seeded one in Scotland, people expect me to win so I thought I played better in Belgium because there was no pressure.

“She was crying at the end so I didn’t show much emotion but I was a bit overwhelmed.”

In addition, Brooke reached the mixed-doubles semi-finals with Italian Zyver De Leon, winning a bronze medal, before turning her attention to the national championship.

Top seed in each event, she defeated Vibha Raman in the singles before teaming up with Katrina Chan and Ben Riddle to win the doubles and mixed doubles events respectively.

Her success means she’ll represent Scotland at next month’s under-15 quadrangular with Wales, England and Northern Ireland, and proud mum Karen added: “It’s a great achievement and has way exceeded expectations.

“The coach said she was incredible on court and in the arena, and shows what can be done with the right mindset and preparation.

“She’s level-headed but excited to be on the podium.”