A PRESTON grandad has taken the badminton world by storm after thrashing players a third of his age!

Sixty-one year old Mohammed Umerji Patel has gained himself a reputation as the Pete Sampras of the badminton court after beating players young enough to be his grandchildren -- causing a stir among the front-runners in his division.

Mohammed, of Stanleyfield Road, Deepdale, has played badminton regularly for five years and puts the secret of his success down to his rigorous fitness regime which, surprisingly, doesn't include eating salads and low fat dishes!

"I tend to eat anything and everything," said Mohammed. "I know for some people keeping fit means eating the right foods. All I do is exercise regularly even if it means just going for a walk.

"But I do train three times a week and I particularly like to cycle. That's about it."

Mohammed, who turns 62 in April, has been a keen sportsman since settling in Britain in 1961 and is a great believer in the saying 'practice makes perfect'.

"I played a lot of table tennis and cricket," Mohammed said. "But I love playing badminton now and can see myself playing for a few years yet."

"When I played my first game in this league I think people thought I would lose every game. I must say it feels good beating someone in their twenties."

"But in every sport there is nothing better than practice and trying your best."

The sporting champ's success on the court has even caught the eye of some of the country's top players who are eager to pick up a few tips from him.

Reigning doubles champions in the Blackburn Community Badminton League Shafiq Malik and Tahir Hussain see Mohammed as their role model. Tahir said: "It is remarkable how he has managed to keep himself so fit. I hope I'm still playing at that age. But I don't think I will be somehow!"