New Delhi:
England's James Goddard led from the front to win gold in the 200m backstroke on Wednesday, clinching the title he first won back in 2002 and smashing the Commonwealth Games record.
The 27-year-old, who was fastest qualifier, went out strongly from the gun and never let go, despite a strong challenge from Australia's Ashley Delaney and New Zealand teenager Gareth Kean.
Goddard's time of 1:55.58 lowered the previous Games best set by Scotland's Gregor Tait in Melbourne by nearly three seconds.
"I am so happy right now," said Goddard. "I knew it was going to be a tight field, especially in this morning's heats. But I went out strong early and was able to pull it off.
"It was such a good time. I am really stoked."
Delaney, a bronze medalist in the 50m backstroke and Australia's medal hope after teammate Hayden Stoeckel failed to qualify, was passed though in the final straight for Kean to win the Aqua Blacks their first medal in the pool.
Kean, who turned 19 on Tuesday, showed his form coming into the competition by winning the junior Pan Pacifics.
Goddard won gold for England in Manchester eight years ago and looked set to hand over the mantle to 20-year-old Chris Walker-Hebborn. He just missed out on a medal and came fourth.
The 27-year-old, who was fastest qualifier, went out strongly from the gun and never let go, despite a strong challenge from Australia's Ashley Delaney and New Zealand teenager Gareth Kean.
Goddard's time of 1:55.58 lowered the previous Games best set by Scotland's Gregor Tait in Melbourne by nearly three seconds.
"I am so happy right now," said Goddard. "I knew it was going to be a tight field, especially in this morning's heats. But I went out strong early and was able to pull it off.
"It was such a good time. I am really stoked."
Delaney, a bronze medalist in the 50m backstroke and Australia's medal hope after teammate Hayden Stoeckel failed to qualify, was passed though in the final straight for Kean to win the Aqua Blacks their first medal in the pool.
Kean, who turned 19 on Tuesday, showed his form coming into the competition by winning the junior Pan Pacifics.
Goddard won gold for England in Manchester eight years ago and looked set to hand over the mantle to 20-year-old Chris Walker-Hebborn. He just missed out on a medal and came fourth.
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