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Commonwealth Games 2022 LIVE: Laura Muir storms to 1500m gold after England win women’s hockey title

A thrilling penultimate day at Birmingham 2022 has delivered more action to this thoroughly entertaining Commonwealth Games, with 45 gold medals in total set to be dished out by the end of the evening.

Tonight was all about Laura Muir, and the Scotland star produced a brilliant kick to win gold in the women’s 1500m final, adding to her 800m bronze from the previous evening. Later, a wide-open men’s 800m final, was won by Kenya’s Wyclife Kinyamal ahead of Australia’s Peter Bol, with England’s Ben Pattison taking bronze.

Eilish McColgan added to her 10,000m gold with a gutsy silver in the 5,000m and there was further joy as England’s women wrapped up the action at the Alexander Stadium with a dramatic gold in the 4x400m final. It was short lived, however, after the team was disqualified following a lane infringment.

Earlier, home-town hero Matt Hudson-Smith was left disappointed when forced to settle for silver in the men’s 400m, while Victoria Ohuruogu was more upbeat, grabbing a silver in the women’s 400m final. There was drama in the 4x100m relay finals, with England men and Nigeria women prevailing.

In the afternoon, a dramatic men’s cycling road race saw Geraint Thomas fall just short with a late push to break the lead group, leaving New Zealand’s Aaron Gate to sprint clear and win a fourth gold at these Games. And in the result of the day, England pulled off a shock to stun Australia and win Commonwealth gold in the women’s hockey final. Follow all the action throughout the evening below:

Commonwealth Games 2022

  • Tobi Amusan storms to gold and Games record (12.30) in women’s 100m hurdles, England’s Cindy Sember takes bronze

  • Matthew Hudson-Smith takes silver after Muzala Samukonga’s storming late charge in 400m final

  • Sada Williams destroys field to win 400m gold as Victoria Ohuruogu and Jodie Williams take silver and bronze

  • Scotland’s Neah Evans takes silver in women’s road race

  • Sam Hickey wins historic boxing gold for Scotland, edging Australia’s Callum Peters in middleweight war

  • England win men’s 4x100m relay after Ojie Edoburun brings baton home

  • England women defeat Australia in hockey final to win gold

  • Laura Muir storms to 1500m to add to 800m bronze

  • England win dramatic gold medal in women’s 4x400m relay - but then face disqualification

  • Orie savours taste of victory after claiming gold medal in Birmingham

Muir savours 1500m gold as England denied 4x400m relay title after DQ

22:15 , Jamie Braidwood

Laura Muir missed the last Commonwealth Games to take her veterinary exams and she’s certainly passed this test in Birmingham with flying colours too.

The world and Olympic medallist added 1500m gold to her 800m bronze, while England were denied a second relay gold after a late disqualification on the final day of the athletics programme.

It’s fair to say Muir’s relationship with these Games has not been an easy one. Eight years ago, she arrived in Glasgow as her sport’s rising star, only to get tripped in the final when shaping for a medal bid. She watched the Gold Coast on her phone in her surgical scrubs but now, finally, she’s got the gold she craved.

Report by James Toney in Birmingham

Laura Muir savours 1500m gold as England denied 4x400m relay title after DQ

Confirmed: England disqualified from 4x400m relay

22:00 , Jamie Braidwood

England appealed their disqualification from the 4x400m relay - but the confirmation is just in, they have been stripped of the gold medal.

The infringement came following the first changeover as Victoria Ohuruogu handed over to Jodie Williams. Both runners stepped out of the lane.

The appeal was swiftly dismissed. It means Canada take the title ahead of Jamaica and bumps Scotland up to bronze.

Orie savours taste of victory after claiming gold medal in Birmingham

21:51 , Jamie Braidwood

Delicious Orie turned his focus to emulating Anthony Joshua after surviving a rough-and-ready Commonwealth Games final against Sagar Ahlawat to become England’s latest super-heavyweight boxing gold medallist.

The Birmingham 25-year-old lost the first round on all five judges’ cards before rallying to claim a unanimous decision victory and take the hosts’ final gold medal count to two on the final day of competition at the NEC.

England heavyweight Lewis Williams also won gold, Scotland trio Reese Lynch, Sam Hickey and Sean Lazzerini made history for Scotland, Welsh duo Rosie Eccles and Ioan Croft also topped the podium, and there were an incredible five gold medals for Northern Ireland.

But the conclusion of the competition belonged to Orie, who slugged desperately through the final round, repelling the Indian’s lumbering advances and leaving his opponent nursing a bloody cut around his left eye.

“I might have been doubted but I will always prove people wrong,” said Orie. “I am so proud to be English and representing England, and I can’t wait for the Olympics in Paris.”

Delicious Orie savours taste of victory after claiming gold medal in Birmingham

Breaking: England disqualified from 4x400m

21:40 , Jamie Braidwood

Wow - this just in, England have been disqualified from the 4x400m relay after a lane infringment. England won the gold medal in a photo finish and have appealed the decision.

Muir targets summer treble after 1500m Commonwealth Games glory

21:27 , Jamie Braidwood

Laura Muir stormed to 1500m gold on Sunday evening to collect her second medal of the Commonwealth Games and immediately targeted a summer treble.

“Oh my God, the 1500m-800m double,” said Muir, who picked up 1500m bronze at the World Championships in Eugene last month. “Two down, one to go. I came into this year wanting to run at all three and medal at all three. I have done two out of three so far.

“I cannot thank everyone enough for the support, all my friends and family, my coach, my physio. Everybody has just been amazing, I couldn’t have wished for a better support crew.”

She continued: “I think I would have said to the Laura Muir of 2014, ‘Your time will come’ (after finishing 11th at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games).

“It’s rotten at the time but you learn from it and you come back stronger. This meant a lot to me – missing the Gold Coast (in 2018) as well, it’s been bugging me for eight years.

“It is so nice to come here and not just get one medal but two and in such a competitive field. Those girls are fast. It means a lot.”

Scotland’s Laura Muir targets summer treble after 1500m Commonwealth Games glory

Commonwealth Games: Athletics

21:11 , Jamie Braidwood

It’s official... England win gold in a photo finish! It’s England’s first gold medal in the 4x400m since 1994.

“I couldn’t think of a better ending,” says Williams. But here’s Knight: “They put me in a really good position, I was just thinking get round. I was so happy to hang on.”

Commonwealth Games: Athletics

21:09 , Jamie Braidwood

Over to Jessie Knight with England having a big lead on the last leg! Jamaica and Canada are fighting back, can Knight make it?

Knight throws her arm out as Canada make it at the line!

What a finish!

Commonwealth Games: Athletics

21:09 , Jamie Braidwood

Jamaica lead at halfway, but England are in pursuit. Ama Pipi surges around the outside to give England the lead! Canada aren’t out of it either...

Commonwealth Games: Athletics

21:08 , Jamie Braidwood

Underway in the women’s 4x400m! Zoey Clarke makes a great start for Scotland on the outside lane, but Jamaica are looking strong.

England come into it too with Jodie Williams and they take the lead at the break, as Beth Dobbin tries to get Scotland back into the top three.

Commonwealth Games: Athletics

20:53 , Jamie Braidwood

There is one final medal to be won at the Alexander Stadium, as the women’s 4x400m relay final crowns another brilliant night of athletics at the Commonwealth Games. Victoria Ohuruogu, fresh from her silver medal in the 400m, leads an England team while Beth Dobbin goes the distance for the Scotland side.

The men’s 4x400m relay gold was won by Trinidad and Tobago ahead of Botswana and Kenya.

Commonwealth Games: Athletics

20:39 , Jamie Braidwood

Nigeria’s Ese Brume sets a Commonwealth Games record of 7m to win the women’s long jump! England’s Jazmin Sawyers jumps 6.84m, her best of the season, but it’s not enough as she just misses out on the podium.

Commonwealth Games: Cricket

20:30 , Jamie Braidwood

In a dramatic cricket final, Australia took two wickets in the final over to defeat India by nine runs and continue their dominant spell. A gold medal at the Commonwealth Games adds to their T20 World Cup and 50-over World Cup titles, as well as the Ashes!

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Commonwealth Games: Athletics

20:11 , Jamie Braidwood

Eilish McColgan, after adding 5,000 silver to her 10,000m gold: “It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions. Wednesday was such a high for me. It was overwhelming. It’s just amazing and I can’t thank everyone enough for their support. That was what drove me on today. I was so tired. To come and get a silver medal, I can’t ask for more. A gold and a silver, it’s a dream. Seeing Laura [Muir], knowing she got a bronze and gold as well, it spurred me on.”

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Commonwealth Games: Athletics

20:04 , Jamie Braidwood

What an effort from McColgan after her 10,000m exploits, but that was hugely impressive from Chebet. She controlled that race and then took it away from McColgan.

Chebet takes it in 14:38, a seasonal best for her. McColgan also set a SB, just behind in 14:42.

Commonwealth Games: Athletics

20:02 , Jamie Braidwood

McColgan grits her teeth and tries to hang on, as Chebet kicks! She opens up the distance and McColgan frantically tries to respond.

But that’s sensational! Chebet storms to gold but McColgan powers over the line for silver! Brilliant achivement from McColgan!

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Commonwealth Games: Athletics

20:00 , Jamie Braidwood

Into the final km! We’re still setting sub-15 pace. McColgan has made this very fast but Chebet is hanging on the Scot’s elbow.

Busienei and in fact hits the front at the bell! Chebet does too and now McColgan is third.

Commonwealth Games: Athletics

19:54 , Jamie Braidwood

McColgan has hit the front as the pace picks up to sub-15 pace. Those long strides are opening up as Chebet hangs off in third place.

Chebet’s team-mate Selah Busienei is also in there, while Sarah Inglis has just dropped off.

It will be down to the three out in front as McColgan strides on.

Commonwealth Games: Athletics

19:47 , Jamie Braidwood

The big events just keep on coming. Eilish McColgan is back after her stunning 10,000m title as she races in the 5,000 final. There’s a packed field but McColgan gets the biggest cheer after that awesome final lap earlier this week.

And we’re off! Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet is one of the best in the world and is the favourite, but McColgan will be roared on again.

Commonwealth Games: Athletics

19:39 , Jamie Braidwood

A slow first lap, a lightening second.

Pattison wins bronze but looks disappointed.

He got himself stuck in a box but broke out of it to get bronze.

Commonwealth Games: Athletics

19:38 , Jamie Braidwood

Kinyamal opens his legs! Bol tries to keep up.

Kinyamal hangs on - but Pattison surges for bronze!

Commonwealth Games: Athletics

19:37 , Jamie Braidwood

Kinyamal and Bol hit the front, Webb looks to move round the outside. Pattison is boxed in. Here comes the bell!

Commonwealth Games: Athletics

19:36 , Jamie Braidwood

And it’s time for the men’s 800m final, which should be wide open.

England’s Ben Pattison and Jamie Webb and Scotland’s Guy Learmonth have a chance - though Kenya’s Wyclife Kinyamal and Australia’s Peter Bol start as favourites.

And we’re off!

Commonwealth Games: Athletics

19:32 , Jamie Braidwood

Muir is draped in the Scotland flag, a familiar sight after what was been a brilliant few weeks. She finally gets the Commonwealth gold after heartbreak in Glasgow and missing out on the Gold Coast.

“My strength is in my kick, I trusted it,” Muir tells the BBC. “I hard as fast as I could. I knew my time would come. For eight years the Commonwealths have been bugging me.”

 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)

Commonwealth Games: Athletics

19:27 , Jamie Braidwood

Muir collapses to her knees! McGeeham takes silver for Northern Ireland! Australia’s Abbey Caldwell wins bronze.

But what a run frum Muir. A dominant kick with 500m to go.

Commonwealth Games: Athletics

19:25 , Jamie Braidwood

Muir grits her teeth as she is chased down by Northern Ireland’s Kiera McGeehan!

But Laura Muir puts her foot down! And she pulls away!

MUIR WINS 1500m GOLD!

Commonwealth Games: Athletics

19:25 , Jamie Braidwood

How will that trigger the field? It still hasn’t gone, as we reach 800m.

Muir breaks at the bell!

Commonwealth Games: Athletics

19:23 , Jamie Braidwood

Jessica Hull sets the pace out in front, with Muir and Jemma Reekie hanging back through the first 400m.

Muir and Reekie then look to move around the outside as we reach the halfway mark. And Muir hits the front.

Commonwealth Games: Athletics

19:22 , Jamie Braidwood

Here we go... lovely late evening sunshine in the stadium, can Muir make it a memorable ending to the Commonwealth Games!

We’re underway!

Commonwealth Games: Athletics

19:17 , Jamie Braidwood

Crackling atmosphere in the Alexander Stadium as the 1500m finallists come out ahead of the final in just a few minutes time.

Muir is favourite to add gold but how will her effort in the 800m yesterday play into that?

 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)

Men’s Road Race: New Zealand’s Aaron Gate reacts to winning cycling gold

19:10 , Jack Rathborn

New Zealand’s Aaron Gate reacts to winning cycling gold in the men’s road race to top up his tally of golds to four at Birmingham 2022.

The Kiwi said: “I honestly [can’t believe it]. It wasn’t a good situation when I was up there by myself, hoping that there would be some other Kiwis bridge across.

“It just didn’t go that way so when the attacks happened in the last three laps I just had to be with every single one that counted. Luckily I still had enough legs to sprint at the end. It’s going to take a while for it to sink in [winning four gold medals]. I was super happy with three. I was here today mainly to help the team. So when the opportunity arose to go for a fourth one I just had to try to grab it with both hands and it felt phenomenal.”

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Table tennis: Gold for England’s Liam Pitchford and Paul Drinkhall

19:00 , Jack Rathborn

Liam Pitchford and Paul Drinkhall have done it, they take the gold in the men’s table tennis doubles.

They needed five games to retain their title.

They win was secured against India’s Achanta Sharath Kamal and Sathiyan Gnanasekaran after Achanta netting, finalising a 8-11, 11-8, 11-3, 7-11, 11-4 victory.

18:40 , Jack Rathborn

Captain Hollie Pearne-Webb admits she is “lost for words” after guiding England past Australia for a historic gold.

“I’m a bit lost for words,” Pearne-Webb tells BBC Sport. “It’s the first time in history we’ve ever done this. It’s a new group. I think over the next two years it’s pretty exciting when we join up with the GB squad when the Scots and the Welsh come in.

“The crowd’s support has been absolutely phenomenal. I just feel so lucky that’s it’s in my career that we get a home Commonwealth Games.

“It was a bit of an up and down game. We played well first half, stepped off a little in the second half, absorbed a bit of pressure and got there in the end.”

Boxing: Women’s lightweight final - Amy Broadhurst wins gold!

18:20 , Jack Rathborn

Amy Broadhurst has won gold for Northern Ireland to break the record for the most gold medals at a Commonwealth Games after landing a sixth in Birmingham.

It’s a fourth gold for Northern Ireland in the boxing, with Broadhurst, who has been tipped by Katie Taylor for a huge future, proving too good in the lightweight division.

The Dundalk woman had too much for England’s Gemma Richardson, with Aidan Walsh, Dylan Eagleson and Jude Gallagher also delivering boxing gold.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Tearful Katherine Brunt unsure on England future after missing out on bronze

18:00 , Jack Rathborn

A tearful Katherine Brunt is unsure about continuing her record-breaking England career after they signed off from the Commonwealth Games without a consolatory bronze medal. With a narrow semi-final defeat to India still fresh in the memory, England seemed unable to rouse themselves to face New Zealand and limped to 110 for nine in their third-place play-off at Edgbaston.

New Zealand captain Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates put England’s total in a harsh light with a 54-run stand in 4.3 overs before the White Ferns cruised to an eight-wicket win with 49 balls to spare. Brunt finished with nought for 23, including having to bowl a nine-ball over at one stage, which would represent an unflattering end for England’s leading wicket-taker in one-day and T20 internationals.

But when asked whether she will end an England career that started in August 2004, the 37-year-old said while wiping away tears: “I don’t know. I need to reflect. I’ve got to get up in two days and play (for Trent Rockets) in The Hundred, which is savage. But that’s life and sport. I need to reflect on that bit and see where I’m at and what my next goal is.”

Brunt added: “This is really hard. The feeling is gutted. We’re a lot better than that, we’re a finalist team. On a personal level it’s my one and only shot at that, so I’m obviously taking it quite badly.

“Everything is heightened when you get to the end of your career. Things seem to mean a bit more and other things seem to slip away a bit further. That game against India was brutal. Normally playing international cricket for England, it shouldn’t be any different, but it did feel different, it felt like the actual whole country was behind us. We’re sad we let them down.”

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

England sizzle to defend 4x100m relay title as Matt Hudson-Smith settles for silver

17:40 , Jack Rathborn

Perhaps it’s finally time to drop the talk about dropping the baton.

With some notable exceptions, too often the story of sprint relays was more about the spills than the thrills.

But as England’s 4x100m male quartet scampered to Commonwealth Games gold, surely that trend has turned.

They held their nerve to defend their title from four years ago in the Gold Coast, less than two weeks after three of the team won bronze for Great Britain at the World Championships in Oregon.

Ojie Edoburun - replacing the injured Reece Prescod - anchored home the quartet that also included world medallists Jona Efoloko, Zharnel Hughes and Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake, the latter two part of last year’s Olympic team that won silver only to lose it when team-mate CJ Ujah tested positive for drugs.

England sizzle to defend 4x100m relay title as Matt Hudson-Smith denied

England thrashed by New Zealand to miss out on bronze medal

17:20 , Jack Rathborn

England endured a dismal end to their Commonwealth Games campaign, unable to win a consolatory bronze after an abject eight-wicket thrashing by New Zealand.

With a narrow semi-final defeat to India the day before still fresh in the memory, England seemed unable to rouse themselves for what was a third-place play-off and limped to 110 for nine at Edgbaston.

Hayley Jensen took three for 24 while there were two wickets apiece for Fran Jonas and Sophie Devine, whose 51 not out from 40 balls helped New Zealand overhaul a meagre target with 8.1 overs to spare.

It capped a miserable weekend for the tournament hosts, who crushed the White Ferns in their final group stage encounter three days earlier.

England’s cricketers miss out on bronze after thumping defeat to New Zealand

Birmingham 2022 CEO praises volunteers as ‘stars of the show’

17:00 , Jack Rathborn

The volunteers at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games have been the stars of the show, according to the organising committee’s chief executive.

More than 13,000 people have signed up to assist at the Games, and have supported in a huge variety of ways from offering directions and advice to high-fiving children with giant foam hands and dancing while raking the sand at the beach volleyball.

On the Games‘ penultimate day, Birmingham 2022 chief executive Ian Reid paid tribute to the people who had stepped up.

“They are the stars of the show, alongside the athletes,” Reid told the PA news agency.

“They’re the constituent group that everybody talks about, and rightly so. Without their warm welcome, without their support, without engaging people around the region through the venues. It’s just a different vibe to a normal European or World Championships with that group and one thing we’re really proud about.

“Wherever you go you see the orange uniform and they’ve all been incredible in the amount of time some of them have given. They really enjoy it and I think it really does make it special.”

A man gives a high five to a volunteer (AP)
A man gives a high five to a volunteer (AP)

Kelsey-Lee Barber wins Javelin gold for Australia

16:40 , Jack Rathborn

Australia’s double world champion javelin thrower Kelsey-Lee Barber has again played the waiting game to perfection at the Commonwealth Games on Sunday. After adding the 2022 world championship title in Oregon in July to her success in Doha in 2019, Barber traveled to England favored to claim her first Commonwealth gold medal.

But on the eve of the opening ceremony on July 28, she tested positive to COVID-19, putting her into isolation and casting doubt over her participation. It was not until Thursday that the 30-year-old received clearance to compete in the event, but she said the days spent in isolation recovering from the illness did not detract from her belief.

“Mentally, I coped. I wasn’t going to let it affect my performance today,” Barber said.

Seeking to complete the full set of Games‘ medals after winning a bronze in Glasgow in 2014 and a silver on the Gold Coast four years ago, Barber saved her best throw for last. She trailed her teammate Mackenzie Little, who threw a personal best of 64.27 meters, into the last round. But Barber responded with an effort of 64.43 meters to clinch the gold medal. It continues a theme for the Australian, whose first world title in Doha was achieved with her last throw, so too the bronze medal she claimed at the Tokyo Olympics last year.“I had great confidence from the world (championships) and a good feel for my javelin. I trusted that process, so today I was focused and knew what I wanted to achieve here,” she said. “I’m not going to lie. It is nice to know I have the confidence I can keep lifting through a competition and I can find something in that last round.”Barber claimed one of the 45 gold medals on offer on the penultimate day of the 2022 Games, which includes 16 to be contested in boxing. England won its first able-bodied gold medal on the track when the 4x100-meter men’s relay team sprinted to success over Trinidad and Tobago and Nigeria.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Hockey: Women’s final - England 2-1 Australia

16:29 , Jack Rathborn

They’ve done it! Gold for England women in the hockey!

England defeat Australia, surviving a late scare after Ambrosia Malone’s strike for the Aussies.

But England held on for the remaining 19.4 seconds.

Hockey: Women's final - England 2-0 Australia

16:06 , Jack Rathborn

POST! Anna Toman strikes the woodwork, so close for England.

It’s a 2-0 lead for England with two minutes to go in the third quarter.

The Aussies are dominating though.

 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)

Cycling: Men’s road race - Aaron Gate wins gold for New Zealand!

15:57 , Jack Rathborn

Thomas goes! 1.7km to go, he’s gone for it.

It was only two seconds, he gets swallowed up.

Plapp led them out, then Gate sprints to the line, gold for New Zealand!

Impey silver for South Africa, Scotland get bronze with Crockett.

Cycling: Men’s road race

15:56 , Jack Rathborn

Watson refuses to concede, he goes again, can they stretch the gap.

The Englishman has spent so much energy, tries to get rid of Culverwell.

Only 20m remaining to the chasing group. Geraint Thomas primed. Gate and Impey will fancy this.

Cycling: Men’s road race

15:55 , Jack Rathborn

Watson (England) and Culverwell (Guernsey) have been caught, with 4km to go.

Sprint finish looks to be ahead. The gap isn’t closed entirely.

Cycling: Men’s road race

15:52 , Jack Rathborn

Some pace from Gate at the front of the chasing pack.

Some will soon stop believing though and think about a sprint for bronze. 6km remaining.

Watson (England) and Culverwell (Guernsey) still out in front, 14 seconds or so.

Cycling: Men’s road race

15:48 , Jack Rathborn

What a move by Watson, this time there's a gap, hesitation from the group to cover.

Guernsey’s Culverwell has joined him. They’ve gone with 10km to go.

Both watson and Culverwell will know they’re guaranteed a silver if they can keep this gap. 10 seconds.

Cycling: Men’s road race

15:45 , Jack Rathborn

Just over 10km to go...

Still bunched up, Thomas in the middle of the group. There’s a hope for Scotland and Northern Ireland, with England and Wales having big chances.

Daryl Impey injecting some pace, nobody can break away for long though. Just not enough hills.

Watson has gone, just as I say this, nobody chasing.

 (PA)
(PA)

Cycling: Men’s road race

15:40 , Jack Rathborn

Plapp puts in the work, the Aussie catches the quartet including Thomas.

Impey, Wright, Thomas on the attack as the bell goes, 16km to go, is this the move?

A big four, just a few metres up. But they’re getting on it now. This is the chance.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Cycling: Men’s road race

15:36 , Jack Rathborn

ATTACK. ATTACK. ATTACK. Relentless attacking, strap in with 18km remaining.

It's split up, Turner pulls Thomas into a workable group, a few seconds between them and the chasing pack, there are four of them, Niekerk, Turner, Gate and Thomas.

Cycling: Men’s road race

15:34 , Jack Rathborn

Thomas putting in lots of work here, lots of attacks at the front of the race.

Impey at the front of the race now, he’s made plenty of moves, Teggart with him. They were in that splinter group before.

19km remaining...

Cycling: Men’s road race

15:30 , Jack Rathborn

Now just 24km to go as we approach three hours into this race.

Sam Watson looks strong, Thomas on him straight away.

Not a committed attack, just Watson seeing if he could ride off. Still delicately poised this.

Cycling: Men’s road race

15:22 , Jack Rathborn

The gap stays at 18 seconds. Can they keep this work up or will they be caught?

Teggart (Northern Ireland), Watson (England), Gate (New Zealand), Impey (South Africa) have 28km to go...

The chase group will know they still have a chance.

Cycling: Men’s road race

15:18 , Jack Rathborn

So Matthew Teggart (Northern Ireland) and Sam Watson (England) both in with a great chance of a medal.

The gap is 23 seconds, can the chase group react? Two English riders chasing, so it’s looking good for an English medal either way.

Cycling: Men’s road race

15:14 , Jack Rathborn

Another English attack with 36km to go, Watson stringing it out.

A South African up front too, Impie is there, Teggart, Sam Watson and Aaron Gate. Down to four.

A big gap, Culverwell trying to bridge it.

Four up top, if they commit, only one of them will miss out on a medal.

Maybe some desperation from the chasing group? Medals gone if they don’t react soon.

The gap is 25 seconds! 33km to go, this could be over for the chase group?

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Cycling: Men’s road race

15:09 , Jack Rathborn

Cote leads as the breakaway is caught. 40km to go.

Fred Wright then has a little go, joined by Impey, this is bubbling nicely.

Thomas not near the front, bad news for the Welshman.

Cycling: Men’s road race

15:00 , Jack Rathborn

There's a split in the lead group, 45km to go, the race starts!

Plapp goes first, followed by Niekerk. Thomas trying to cover the move, working hard.

It’s three up top, it’s a big effort from Plapp.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Cycling: Men’s road race

14:44 , Jack Rathborn

It’s now 1:20 back to the chase group with just under 60km remaining.

And now five minutes to the main peloton.

The majority of the field out of contention completely.

Tour de France winner Thomas joined by Fred Wright in the breakaway, alongside Watson, Culverwell, Hopkins, Swift, Plapp, Cote, Gate and Turner in the breakaway group.

 (PA)
(PA)

Cycling: Men’s road race

14:25 , Jack Rathborn

Sam Culverwell, of Guernsey, in the lead group, Thomas and Wright there too.

Mark Cavendish and the peloton are around two minutes 30 seconds behind.

There’s a chasing group, too, it features Scotland’s Mark Stewart, which is just 50 seconds down on the leaders.

72km to go...

Commonwealth Games 2026 boss not ruling out Esports

14:18 , Jack Rathborn

The boss of the next Commonwealth Games in Victoria in 2026 has not ruled out making Esports part of the official programme.

The Commonwealth Esports Championships took place on Saturday and Sunday at Birmingham’s International Convention Centre, alongside the regular sporting programme happening in the city and the wider region.

Victoria 2026 chief executive Jeroen Weimar said his organisation had not yet received a formal expression of interest from the Global Esports Federation but added: “We’ve certainly got some of our team looking at the Esports programme running in Birmingham over the weekend and we’re very interested in how that might play and how we might evolve that going forward.

“We’d like to attract a younger audience and ensure we’ve got sports that reflect what people now want to get involved in and participate in and we’d like to surprise and delight people. So we’re actually looking at a whole range of very different sports.

“We see this as a really good opportunity to do something a bit different and to keep advancing not just the engagement of the Commonwealth but the movement of sport more generally.”

Sixteen core sports have already been confirmed for the 2026 Games, which will be held in four regional hubs across the state of Victoria.

Weimar expects that up to three or four more will be added by the end of September.

He said more than 20 international sports federations had made expressions of interest in being part of the programme

Cycling: Men’s road race

13:58 , Jack Rathborn

We’re into the final 100km of the men’s road race and Geraint Thomas and Fred Wright are tucked into that leading group.

The gap is 30 seconds ahead of the main peloton, where Mark Cavendish sits.

It’s heating up nicely.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Rosie Eccles overcomes challenging four years to seize gold

13:48 , Jack Rathborn

Four years of bad luck melted away for Rosie Eccles at the NEC in Birmingham as the Pontypool 26-year-old served up an emphatic second-round stoppage of Australia’s Kaye Scott to claim Commonwealth Games gold in the women’s light-middleweight division.

Eccles had endured a controversial split-decision defeat to England’s Sandy Ryan in the Gold Coast final four years ago and subsequently missed out on a place at the Tokyo Olympics when her body was attacked by a mystery virus and she was denied a second chance by the coronavirus pandemic.

“I’m always a very optimistic person, but even I started thinking I was suffering a bit of a boxing curse,” said Eccles. “I was starting to think it just wasn’t going to happen.

“Things kept coming up out of the blue - I got to the first qualifier and got attacked by a virus, then I was denied the chance to go to Tokyo. To come through all of this and win gold is just amazing.”

Eccles forced Scott, a former world medallist, to take a standing count in the opening round and piled on the pressure in the second, dealing out two more counts that convinced the referee to step in and stop the contest.

“I think I can take my silver medal out of its box now,” added Eccles. “I’ve kept it there for four years, even when I visit school, but now I can say I will get it out because it’s a part of my story, and I can look on it with pride.”

Victory was all the more impressive for Eccles, who is small for a light-middleweight, and will benefit more from the equivalent category at the Paris Olympics, where the upper weight limit is four kilograms lighter.

“Paris is definitely the target now and I will be more powerful at the lighter weight,” added Eccles. “I’m always quite humble, but I think my time has come. You haven’t seen the best of me yet.”

 (EPA)
(EPA)

England and Nigeria celebrate winning 4x100m relay golds

13:05 , Jack Rathborn

 (REUTERS)
(REUTERS)
 (REUTERS)
(REUTERS)

England takes silver as Nigeria storm to Women’s 4x100m Relay gold

12:58 , Jack Rathborn

It’s silver for England, Nigeria storm to victory in the women’s 4x100m.

A shock bronze for Jamaica, and they would have been empty-handed without a rapid anchor leg from Elaine Thompson-Herah.

Asha Philip, Imani Lansiquot, Bianca Williams and Daryll Neita post 42.41.

England react to men’s 4x100m relay gold

12:52 , Jack Rathborn

Jona Efoloko: “It was amazing, now on the team, second time, second medal. It's the best crowd I've ever had. The noise gave me that extra boost.

Zharnel Hughes: “I was focusing on getting the job done. I ran into Nethaneel, I was like OK, this is it.

Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake: “I didn’t [hear him], it’s deafening, I’m glad we could deliver.”

Ojie Edoburun: “Thank god, first of all, it’s not easy after last year, I’m so happy to come in and kill it with the boys. I didn’t want to miss out, the responsibility to bring it home. I take this confidence through to Europeans.”

Men’s 4x100m relay: England win gold!

12:44 , Jack Rathborn

Nigeria vs England already after one leg of this relay.

It’s gold for England, 38.35! They defend their title from four years ago.

Hughes with a belter of a second leg, but then a slightly awkward change-over. Mitchell-Blake had to pull his hand away after the final change-over after celebrating three clean legs and a lead down the home straight.

Ojie Edoburun with a fine performance to bring it home, valuable experience after Eugene too. This will be huge for Team GB moving forward after a turbulent 12 months since Tokyo.

Trinidad take silver (38.70). Nigeria take bronze (38.81).

Sam Hickey wins historic boxing gold for Scotland

12:24 , Jack Rathborn

Sam Hickey and Callum Peters produced arguably the fight of the Commonwealth Games, a cracking final sees the Scot get the split decision for gold!

A first ever for Team Scotland in the middleweight division.

The 22-year-old showed immense heart to get the better of the 19-year-old Australian.

It’s also Scotland’s first Commonwealth boxing gold since Charlie Flynn and Josh Taylor in 2014. History.

Aidan and Michaela Walsh chasing golden glory at Commonwealth Games

12:05 , Jack Rathborn

Siblings Aidan and Michaela Walsh are enjoying every moment of their boxing success as they both prepare to go for gold in Sunday’s Commonwealth finals.

The Northern Irish duo both won their semi-final bouts on Saturday, with Aidan beating Wales’ Garan Croft while Michaela won by unanimous decision against South Africa’s Phiwokuhle Sbusisiwe Mnguni.

Both fighters are guaranteed to match their silver medals on the Gold Coast in 2018 and have the chance to upgrade to gold in Birmingham.

Michaela faces Elizabeth Oshoba of Nigeria in her featherweight final, and is bursting with pride being able to share her Commonwealth experience with her brother.

Matt Hudson-Smith misses out on gold as Muzala Samukonga stuns 400m favourite

11:51 , Jack Rathborn

Matt Hudson-Smith lost out on gold as Zambia’s Muzala Samukonga stunned the 400m favourite at the Commonwealth Games.

The 27-year-old – on his home track – had to settle for silver as Samukonga made a late break in the final 50m to go from fifth to first.

He ran 44.66 seconds with British record holder Hudson-Smith crossing the line in 44.81 seconds.

He at least adds to the bronze he won at the World Championships last month in Eugene.

Yet it also continues his Commonwealth Games frustration after he was disqualified from the event in 2018 for running out of his lane.

Matt Hudson-Smith misses out on gold as Muzala Samukonga stuns 400m favourite

Scotland’s Neah Evans takes silver in women’s road race as Australia’s Georgia Baker takes gold

11:22 , Jack Rathborn

Scotland’s Neah Evans takes silver in women’s road race, Australia’s Georgia Baker with the gold after a thrilling final sprint.

“I’m not going to lie, I wanted to try get a gold on the track, but coming away with three medals is special,” says Evans.

“Having a team, strength in depth, it makes a huge difference.”

Sada Williams destroys field to win 400m gold as Victoria Ohuruogu and Jodie Williams take silver and bronze

11:03 , Jack Rathborn

It’s 49.90 (GR) and gold for Sada Williams of Barbados! Sensational!

A silver and bronze for England though: Victoria Ohuruogu (50.72, PB) and Jodie Williams (51.26, SB). Ama Pipi just misses out in fourth.

A statement performance from the Bajan!

Sada Williams of Team Barbados crosses the finish line to win gold (Getty Images)
Sada Williams of Team Barbados crosses the finish line to win gold (Getty Images)

Matthew Hudson-Smith denied by Muzala Samukonga in 400m final

10:49 , Jack Rathborn

It's silver for Hudson-Smith (44.81), who is hunted down by Muzala Samukonga (44.66, PB), who charges late to snatch gold for the Zambia!

Incredible race and the home-town hero is denied at the Alexander Stadium.

It’s bronze for Jonathan Jones (44.89) of Barbados.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Keely Hodgkinson ‘frustrated’ by bittersweet second as England rack up athletics silvers

10:35 , Jack Rathborn

Keely Hodgkinson will be the first to admit that not all silvers are equal.

It’s just over a year since she won that medal at the Olympics in Tokyo, her face etched with wide-eyed shock and disbelief as she also broke Kelly Holmes’ British 800m record.

And it’s 12 days since she won silver at the World Championships in Oregon, just eight-hundredths of a second off top spot.

Birmingham’s Commonwealth Games was due to be the place where she finally perfected the alchemy needed for a golden upgrade, with friends and family watching on another rocking night at the Alexander Stadium.

But the 20-year-old again had to settle for silver, beaten in a sprint finish by Kenya’s Mary Moraa, who also lowered her colours at Stockholm’s Diamond League earlier this season.

Hodgkinson ‘frustrated’ by bittersweet second as England rack up athletics silvers

Tobi Amusan storms to hurdles gold as England’s Cindy Sember takes bronze

10:31 , Jack Rathborn

Tobi Amusan stormed to gold in the women’s hurdles, grabbing a Games record in 12.30.

But it’s bronze for England’s Cindy Sember 12.59, with Devynne Charlton of the Bahamas taking the silver in 12.58.

 (REUTERS)
(REUTERS)

Aidan and Michaela Walsh chasing golden glory at Commonwealth Games

10:25 , Jack Rathborn

Siblings Aidan and Michaela Walsh are enjoying every moment of their boxing success as they both prepare to go for gold in Sunday’s Commonwealth finals.

The Northern Irish duo both won their semi-final bouts on Saturday, with Aidan beating Wales’ Garan Croft while Michaela won by unanimous decision against South Africa’s Phiwokuhle Sbusisiwe Mnguni.

Both fighters are guaranteed to match their silver medals on the Gold Coast in 2018 and have the chance to upgrade to gold in Birmingham.

Michaela faces Elizabeth Oshoba of Nigeria in her featherweight final, and is bursting with pride being able to share her Commonwealth experience with her brother.

Aidan and Michaela Walsh chasing golden glory at Commonwealth Games

Local boy Lewis Williams one win away from Commonwealth gold in Birmingham

10:15 , Jack Rathborn

England’s Lewis Williams is raring to go as his chance of securing a Commonwealth gold medal on home turf is now “within touching distance”.

The 23-year-old won his heavyweight semi-final against Australia’s Edgardo Coumi by unanimous decision on Saturday.

Local boy Williams, who hails from the nearby town of Leamington Spa, will face Samoa’s Ato Leau Plodzicki-Faoagali for gold on Sunday.

He said: “My target has been there for a long time and it feels so close. Now it is within touching distance.

Local boy Lewis Williams one win away from Commonwealth gold in Birmingham

Women’s sport ‘on the crest of exciting wave’, says England Hockey CEO

10:03 , Jack Rathborn

England Hockey chief executive Nick Pink said the country is “on the crest of a really exciting wave for women in sport” as the women’s team have an opportunity to claim Commonwealth gold on Sunday.

England will face Australia in the final of the Birmingham 2022 Games for the chance to continue the success of the UK’s top female athletes – a momentum Pink believes has “been building for a number of years”.

But the Lionesses’ Euros triumph has driven “significant change” for the perception of women’s sport, aided by the number of women involved behind the scenes, the 45-year-old added.

Women’s sport ‘on the crest of exciting wave’, says England Hockey CEO

Commonwealth Games 2022 - Day 10 medals up for grabs

09:54 , Jack Rathborn

  • Athletics: Women’s 100m hurdles, 400m, javelin, 4x100m relay, long jump, 1500m, 5,000m and 4x400m relay, men’s triple jump, 400m, 10km race walk, 4x100m relay, javelin, 800m and 4x400m relay

  • Beach volleyball: Women, men

  • Boxing: Women’s minimumweight, light/middleweight, light-flyweight, lightweight, featherweight and middleweight, men’s flyweight, middleweight, light-heavyweight, bantamweight, light-welterweight, light-middleweight, heavyweight, featherweight, welterweight and super-heavyweight

  • Cricket: Women

  • Diving: Women’s 3m springboard, men’s 10m platform

  • Hockey: Women

  • Netball: Women

  • Road cycling: Women’s and men’s road race

  • Squash: Mixed doubles

  • Table tennis: Women’s singles, men’s doubles and classes 8-10 singles, mixed doubles

Keely Hodgkinson ‘frustrated’ by bittersweet second as England rack up athletics silvers

Saturday 6 August 2022 23:30 , Karl Matchett

Keely Hodgkinson will be the first to admit that not all silvers are equal.

It’s just over a year since she won that medal at the Olympics in Tokyo, her face etched with wide-eyed shock and disbelief as she also broke Kelly Holmes’ British 800m record.

And it’s 12 days since she won silver at the World Championships in Oregon, just eight-hundredths of a second off top spot.

Birmingham’s Commonwealth Games was due to be the place where she finally perfected the alchemy needed for a golden upgrade, with friends and family watching on another rocking night at the Alexander Stadium.

But the 20-year-old again had to settle for silver, beaten in a sprint finish by Kenya’s Mary Moraa, who also lowered her colours at Stockholm’s Diamond League earlier this season.

Hodgkinson ‘frustrated’ by bittersweet second as England rack up athletics silvers

Bronze at best for England men’s hockey team following Australia comeback

Saturday 6 August 2022 23:15 , Karl Matchett

England’s bid to reach a first Commonwealth Games men’s hockey final were ended in cruel fashion as Australia overturned a two-goal deficit to win 3-2.

Goals from Phil Roper, his fifth of the tournament, and skipper Zach Wallace gave England a shock 2-0 lead in Birmingham.

But Australia – who have won men’s gold every time since hockey was introduced into the Games in 1998 – levelled through Blake Govers and Jacob Anderson before Daniel Beale struck the fourth-quarter winner.

Bronze at best for England men’s hockey team following Australia comeback

Aidan and Michaela Walsh chasing golden glory at Commonwealth Games

Saturday 6 August 2022 23:00 , Karl Matchett

Siblings Aidan and Michaela Walsh are enjoying every moment of their boxing success as they both prepare to go for gold in Sunday’s Commonwealth finals.

The Northern Irish duo both won their semi-final bouts on Saturday, with Aidan beating Wales’ Garan Croft while Michaela won by unanimous decision against South Africa’s Phiwokuhle Sbusisiwe Mnguni.

Both fighters are guaranteed to match their silver medals on the Gold Coast in 2018 and have the chance to upgrade to gold in Birmingham.

Aidan and Michaela Walsh chasing golden glory at Commonwealth Games

Jack Laugher talks up newfound mental resilience despite losing 3m springboard crown to Dan Goodfellow

Saturday 6 August 2022 22:45 , Karl Matchett

It turns out Jack Laugher is fallible after all.

England swept the podium in the men’s 3m springboard, but it was not the one-two-three many had expected as Dan Goodfellow dethroned the defending champion.

Not since Glasgow 2014 had Laugher lost a Commonwealth Games final, having already retained his 1m springboard and synchronised 3m springboard titles in Birmingham.

But after nerves almost cost him a place in the final - scoring zero on his first dive in the morning preliminaries - Laugher had to settle for bronze behind his former synchro partner.

Laugher talks up newfound mental resilience despite losing 3m crown to Goodfellow

Northern Ireland clinch lawn bowls gold by thrashing India in men’s fours final

Saturday 6 August 2022 22:30 , Karl Matchett

Northern Ireland secured a second Commonwealth Games gold medal after their lawn bowlers defeated India 18-5 in the men’s fours final on Saturday.

The quartet of Sam Barkley, Adam McKeown, Ian McClure and Martin McHugh established a 7-0 lead after four ends, setting the scene for a one-sided victory at Victoria Park in Leamington Spa.

McKeown said: “You’re always looking at the finishing line, but you just have to take it end by end, and keep them ticking over, and I think we did that well here. It’s an outstanding achievement.”

Northern Ireland clinch lawn bowls gold by thrashing India in men’s fours final

Hodgkinson ‘frustrated’ by bittersweet second as England rack up athletics silvers

Saturday 6 August 2022 22:14 , Karl Matchett

Keely Hodgkinson will be the first to admit that not all silvers are equal.

It’s just over a year since she won that medal at the Olympics in Tokyo, her face etched with wide-eyed shock and disbelief as she also broke Kelly Holmes’ British 800m record.

And it’s 12 days since she won silver at the World Championships in Oregon, just eight-hundredths of a second off top spot.

Birmingham’s Commonwealth Games was due to be the place where she finally perfected the alchemy needed for a golden upgrade, with friends and family watching on another rocking night at the Alexander Stadium.

But the 20-year-old again had to settle for silver, beaten in a sprint finish by Kenya’s Mary Moraa, who also lowered her colours at Stockholm’s Diamond League earlier this season.

Hodgkinson ‘frustrated’ by bittersweet second as England rack up athletics silvers

England lose in men’s hockey semi-final

Saturday 6 August 2022 21:57 , Karl Matchett

Disappointment for England as the major force in men’s hockey, Australia, produce a comeback performance from 2-0 down to win 3-2.

They go through to the final and England will have to aim for bronze.

Men’s pole vault: two medals for England

Saturday 6 August 2022 21:53 , Karl Matchett

Harry Coppell can’t clear the bar at his third attempt and that means he stays in the bronze-medal position.

Hague has already gone over so is guaranteed at least a silver, with Australia’s Marschall having already cleared 5.60m.

Adam Hague goes again for his final shot at 5.65 to try and move into gold...but he can’t quite get his run-up in the right stride and that means he’ll indeed take silver.

Kurtis Marschall takes gold, but he’s still going to run again and try to go higher.

200m women’s final: Thompson-Herah sets new GR for gold

Saturday 6 August 2022 21:47 , Karl Matchett

The final now of the women’s 200m. Elaine Thompson-Herah, the double-double Olympic champion, is the clear favourite.

She starts fast and is way in front as they round the bend - she wins it by an absolute mile! A new Games record time of 22.09!

Nigeria’s Favor Ofili takes silver, a very strong run indeed, with Christine Mboma taking bronze.

Scottish finalist Beth Dobbin finishes eighth.

Jack Laugher talks up newfound mental resilience despite losing 3m springboard crown to Dan Goodfellow

Saturday 6 August 2022 21:37 , Karl Matchett

It turns out Jack Laugher is fallible after all.

England swept the podium in the men’s 3m springboard, but it was not the one-two-three many had expected as Dan Goodfellow dethroned the defending champion.

Not since Glasgow 2014 had Laugher lost a Commonwealth Games final, having already retained his 1m springboard and synchronised 3m springboard titles in Birmingham.

But after nerves almost cost him a place in the final - scoring zero on his first dive in the morning preliminaries - Laugher had to settle for bronze behind his former synchro partner.

Goodfellow claimed his first individual Commonwealth Games gold ahead of Jordan Houlden as Laugher took encouragement from the way he responded to his earlier wobble.

Laugher talks up newfound mental resilience despite losing 3m crown to Goodfellow

Men’s 200m final: silver for England

Saturday 6 August 2022 21:25 , Karl Matchett

Zharnel Hughes is in great shape and is head-to-head with Jereem Richards as they go into the straight - but it’s the Trinidadian Richards who surges away to not just win, but set a new Games record - a fantastic run from both. Silver for England there and a PB for the season for Hughes.

Joseph Paul Amoah takes bronze for Ghana.

  • Richards 19.8s (GR)

  • Hughes 20.12 (SB)

  • Amoah 20.49

Second medal for Spendolini-Sirieix with silver alongside Cheng

Saturday 6 August 2022 21:20 , Karl Matchett

Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix secured her second medal of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham on Saturday night in the women’s 10m synchro platform competition.

The 17-year-old secured top spot on the podium with victory in the individual women’s 10m platform on Thursday and claimed silver alongside Eden Cheng in the synchronised event.

Spendolini-Sirieix is the daughter of First Dates star Fred Sirieix, who was also at the Aquatics Centre in Sandwell earlier in the week to witness her winning gold.

FLOW

Commonwealth Games: Men’s pole vault

Saturday 6 August 2022 21:17 , Karl Matchett

And it’s cleared for Kurtis Marschall too! He gets over at 5.50m and goes second.

The pole vault event was delayed earlier as the actual poles went missing, which is a bit of an important issue really.

Thankfully they eventually turned up and there are two medals coming England’s way, but Coppell, Hague and Marschall will all continue shortly to see who finishes where on the podium.

Commonwealth Games: Men’s pole vault

Saturday 6 August 2022 21:16 , Karl Matchett

Adam Hague takes the lead in the pole vault as he clears 5.45m and that guarantees him a medal.

All depends on the final jumps at 5.50m...Harry Coppell clears it! That’s an England 1-2, with one Australian to go.

Commonwealth Games latest

Saturday 6 August 2022 21:10 , Karl Matchett

A quick round-up of everything going on right now:

  • England are 2-1 up against Australia in the men’s hockey at half time

  • In the men’s 400m hurdles, Kyron McMaster has defended his title while Malik Metivier was disqualified for going before the gun

  • Alastair Chalmers took bronze for Guernsey - their first Commonwealth Games medal in athletics

  • Australia have beaten New Zealand in the cricket semi-finals. They play India in the final; England vs NZ for bronze

Local boy Lewis Williams one win away from Commonwealth gold in Birmingham

Saturday 6 August 2022 21:01 , Karl Matchett

England’s Lewis Williams is raring to go as his chance of securing a Commonwealth gold medal on home turf is now “within touching distance”.

The 23-year-old won his heavyweight semi-final against Australia’s Edgardo Coumi by unanimous decision on Saturday.

Local boy Williams, who hails from the nearby town of Leamington Spa, will face Samoa’s Ato Leau Plodzicki-Faoagali for gold on Sunday.

He said: “My target has been there for a long time and it feels so close. Now it is within touching distance.

“Everything went according to the game plan, against a very good boxer. I thought I won every round and the judges gave it to me.

“I will celebrate afterwards and it will all sink in. But for now I have a job to do.”

Local boy Lewis Williams one win away from Commonwealth gold in Birmingham

Marc Scott takes fourth in men’s 5000m final

Saturday 6 August 2022 20:45 , Karl Matchett

No medal for England in the men’s 5000m but Marc Scott does well to power through and finish fourth.

Jacob Kiplimo strides through to complete the double, taking gold here after also winning the 10000m.

He beat Kenyan duo Kipkorir Kimeli and Jacob Krop down the final stretch.

Jack Laugher bounces back from nightmare opener to complete all-English podium

Saturday 6 August 2022 20:31 , Karl Matchett

Jack Laugher was pleased to have bounced back from a zero score in qualifying to claim bronze in an English one-two-three in the men’s 3m springboard final, admitting something like that could have “ruined him” in the past.

Laugher, an Olympic silver medallist in this event in Rio six years ago, has been open about his struggles with anxiety over his performances and scored zero for his first dive in the preliminary round on Saturday morning after the nerves set in on the board.

Dan Goodfellow took gold for England with Jordan Houlden securing silver on Saturday night, and Laugher – who recovered to reach the final as the 11th-ranked of 12 qualifiers – was delighted to join them on the podium after a rocky start to the day.

Jack Laugher bounces back from nightmare opener to complete all-English podium

Two more medals for England in the diving

Saturday 6 August 2022 20:23 , Karl Matchett

It’s two medals for England in the Women’s Synchronised 10m Platform final.

Andrea Spendolini-Siriex and Eden Cheng pull out a terrific final dive and their score of 76.80 is enough to take silver.

Robyn Birch and Emily Martin have also made it onto the podium.

Silver for Keely Hodgkinson in women’s 800m

Saturday 6 August 2022 20:13 , Karl Matchett

England take silver and Scotland get bronze in the women’s 800m final!

Kenya’s Mary Moraa takes the gold, flying through from eighth to finish just over 0.3 seconds ahead of Keely Hodgkinson, who seals the silver for England.

Laura Muir gives it absolutely everything in the final stages to nick third and bronze, finishing 0.01s ahead of Natoya Goule.

Marfa Ekimova wins all-around gold in rhythmic gymnastics first for England

Saturday 6 August 2022 20:00 , Karl Matchett

Marfa Ekimova won England’s first Commonwealth Games gold medal in rhythmic gymnastics as she clinched the all-around title at Arena Birmingham.

The 17-year-old top-scored on hoop and clubs to total 112.300, narrowly ahead of silver medallist Anna Sokolova of Cyprus.

It was Ekimova’s second medal of the Birmingham Games after teaming up with Saffron Severn and Alice Leaper to win a team bronze medal on the opening day of competition on Thursday.

Marfa Ekimova wins all-around gold in rhythmic gymnastics first for England

Geraint Thomas expects ‘war of attrition’ in Commonwealth Games men’s road race

Saturday 6 August 2022 19:40 , Karl Matchett

Geraint Thomas expects the men’s road race at the Commonwealth Games to be a “war of attrition” as rival teams work together to ensure there is no sprint for Mark Cavendish.

Reigning British champion Cavendish has a strong Isle of Man team aiming to see that the 160km race around Warwick and Leamington Spa ends in a sprint that he would be the runaway favourite to win.

Though the flat profile of the route might point to a bunch finish, rival teams plan to mix things up to deny Cavendish his chance.

Geraint Thomas expects ‘war of attrition’ in Commonwealth Games men’s road race

https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/england-australia-commonwealth-new-zealand-england-hockey-b2139469.html

Saturday 6 August 2022 19:20 , Karl Matchett

England captain Hollie Pearne-Webb has urged her team-mates to seize a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to claim Commonwealth gold in front of a home crowd on Sunday.

The hosts will take on Australia in the showpiece match at the Birmingham 2022 Games after goalkeeper Maddie Hinch was again a penalty shoot-out hero in the semi-final win over New Zealand on Friday, making a series of saves as Izzy Petter and Hannah Martin converted their penalties to see England through and guarantee them at least a silver.

England eyeing ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ Commonwealth Games gold on home soil

Gemma Frizelle overjoyed by unexpected Commonwealth gold

Saturday 6 August 2022 19:00 , Karl Matchett

Gemma Frizelle admitted she did not expect to win a gold medal for Wales in the rhythmic gymnastics hoop final after overcoming injury problems to compete.

Set to Nessun Dorma, which is her mother’s favourite song, the 24-year-old topped the leaderboard with a total of 28.700 to edge past Cyprus’ Anna Sokolova and Canada’s Carmel Kallemaa who scored 28.300 and 28.200, respectively.

The result is Wales’ first gold in the hoop, and Frizelle revealed the result came as a surprise.

“I just didn’t ever expect it,” she said. “Yeah it’s just amazing, I can’t believe it to be honest, so I don’t know, I can’t process it!”

Gemma Frizelle overjoyed by unexpected Commonwealth Games gold

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