THE Bolton Arena passed another crucial Commonwealth Games test with flying colours after New Zealand badminton bosses declared it: 'as good as it gets!', writes Chris Hall.

Team manager Grant Stone's inspection party gave the Arena the thumbs up treatment after yesterday's flying visit to the home of this summer's shuttlecock excitement.

The Kiwis were delighted with every aspect of the facility in what was the first official visit to Bolton from one of the competing overseas nations.

Stone, who played in the 1990 games in his native New Zealand, said the Arena ranked as one of the highest quality badminton venues in the world.

"I think the venue is absolutely superb. It's as good as it gets and as good if not better than any other multi-sport arena I have seen," he said.

"With the facilities they have here, it's going to be absolutely superb. The changing areas and physio facilities are great and it's the little things like that which make a big difference.

"The spectators don't see these things but if you make an athlete comfortable and relaxed, they will perform to a higher level and that's what I expect to happen this summer."

Stone's visit coincides with the announcement that Bolton has chosen to adopt New Zealand for the period surrounding the games.

And the initiative could work in the Kiwis' favour if the draw pairs them against old foes Australia, who have been adopted by neighbouring Wigan.

"That would be a super atmosphere!" said Stone.

"I have just been to a tournament in Holland and it was really noisy for most of the competition but when New Zealand played it was really flat. So any support we can get from our friends in Bolton will be a huge help.

"I don't think I could say that I've ever been adopted before, so it's a new experience for me.

"From a New Zealand point of view, it's great for the sport of badminton because Bolton will be staging the event this year and it would be great if the local fans will lend us their support during the competition."

As for the Antipodeans' chances of bringing home the medals, Stone remained confident while playing his cards close to his chest.

"We have actually got 10 players in Europe at the moment. They have been living, training and playing here since January, so there's no question of us not being acclimatised and used to the pace of the game over here come July," he said.

"We think we have a realistically good chance, depending on the draw. We have very strong doubles and mixed doubles combinations which we have set high targets for. But I'm not going to say what colours those targets are!"