New Zealand win rugby title

New Zealand win fourth consecutive gold in Commonwealth Games rugby sevens, defeat Australia in final.

NEW DEHLI: New Zealand won a record fourth consecutive gold in the Commonwealth Games rugby sevens, defeating rivals Australia 24-17 in a closely-fought final.

Australia came the closest of any team to match the Kiwis, and led 17-7 during the second half, until three tries in succession knocked out their bid for gold.

England dominate relays

The athletics programme came to a close as England won the men’s 4x100-metre relay gold medal, crossing the line in 38.74 seconds. Jamaica came second in 38.79 seconds and India was third in 38.89.

Kenyan World Champion Vivian Cheruiyot strode to the women’s 5,000-metre gold in a time of 15 minutes and 55.12 seconds, while compatriot Silas Kiplagat powered to the men’s 1,500-metre title. Kiplagat crossed the line in three minutes and 41.79 seconds.

Despatie grabs third gold

Alexandre Despatie won his third gold stretching Canada’s lead in diving. Despatie added the men’s three-metre springboard synchro gold to the one-metre and three-metre springboard titles after a stunning final dive with partner Reuben Ross. Jennifer Abel won gold in the women’s one-metre springboard while Tom Daley and Max Brick took the men’s 10-metre platform synchro title for England.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Osayemi Oludamola was stripped of her gold medal for the women’s 100-metre after a positive dope test.

India enter hockey final

India beat England 5-4 on penalties to make it to the final against Australia who defeated New Zealand 6-2.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 13^th, 2010.