Rajiv Ouseph crowned king of Europe

RAJIV Ouseph is the new Badminton Europe men's singles champion.

The former European junior champion from Middlesex won the title at Assen in the Netherlands with a 21-19, 22-20 win over Estonia's world number 48 Raul Must.

Ouseph, who is up to a career best 30th in this week's world rankings, reached the final by defeating the Czech Republic's Jan Vondra and followed that up with by victory over Finland's Ville Lang.

In the final, the two-time English National champion trailed 17-10 and 19-16 before storming back to snatch the first game.

He then asserted his authority in the second half of the second game to lead 16-13 before Must hit back to lead 19-17.

But once again Ouseph finished strongly and levelled things at 20-20 before claiming the next two points to lift the title for the first time.

The victory continues a purple patch for the West Londoner. Since October he has won titles in Scotland, Ireland, Canada and France and this week he heads for Singapore and the next Super Series tournament.