Williamson wins new series opener

Williamson won Olympic bronze in Athens in 2004

Alison Williamson saw off her younger rivals at the inaugural Archery GB National Series tournament in Evesham.

Williamson, 37, aiming to compete in her sixth Olympics at London 2012, took the top prize in the women's recurve event in heavy rain and high winds.

Norfolk's Tom Barber, 18, won the men's recurve, beating established archers Larry Godfrey and Simon Terry.

James Forbes won the men's compound, while Jan Howells of Wales triumphed in the women's compound event.

Over 200 archers from all over the UK took part in the event.

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Williamson, an Olympic bronze medallist in 2004, said: "The launch of this series is a fantastic idea.

"It's great to have a top quality tournament in this country, and it will really sharpen everyone up for the international events we compete in.

"It's great for people like me, but it's also a terrific opportunity for the up-and-coming young archers to prove they have what it takes.

"I have no doubt this is going to raise the standards of British archery even higher, and that's great."

The National Series will comprise of five events, with archers scoring points from a top 16 finish.

It is based on the World Cup format, launched by the sport's world governing body, FITA, in 2006.