It's been a strong year for Team England's racket sports stars, having come away from the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games with a total of six badminton medals and four squash medals.

And now, the success continues with new partnerships being formed and England's badminton players making their mark on the global stage.

The highlight of recent days has been the incredible teamwork shown by Lauren Smith and Chloe Birch who won the Women's Doubles at the Czech Open, beating top seeds Emilie Lefel and Anne Tran in the final.

The national champions, who both came away from the Gold Coast in April with mixed team doubles bronze - and Lauren Smith with two silver medals in the women's and mixed doubles - proved that Badminton England's decision to pair them for this tournament has paid off, taking home the gold. 

Speaking to Badminton Europe after the win, Smith said: "It’s nice to play these tournaments as a new pair to discover how we want to play. It’s been a positive week for us."

Form is also on the side of Team England squash star Sarah-Jane Perry who later today will be taking on Egypt's Raneem El Welily in the final of the Oracle Netsuite Open 2018, having smashed past her Hungarian opponent in a quick 25 minute semi-final. 

Perry won an impressive silver in the women's final at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, after a heated and passionate display - and it seems that she hasn't lost that passion. Good luck Sarah! 

You can follow Sarah's final at http://oraclenetsuiteopen.com