New Delhi:
European champion Andy Turner led an English clean sweep in the the men's Commonwealth Games 110 metres hurdles final on Friday, capping a breakthrough season.
He crossed the line in 13.38 seconds ahead of sickly compatriot William Sharman who took silver (13.50) and injured Lawrence Clarke (13.70) who claimed bronze.
While the time was short of Colin Jackson's 13.08 Commonwealth record and off his personal best, it drew the curtain on a memorable season for the 30-year-old, who improved on the bronze he won in Melbourne four years ago.
Turner's career has scaled new heights this year with the Commonwealth crown going with the European championship gold he won in Barcelona in July.
He admitted before Delhi that he was struggling to stay motivated after a long, hard season, but he dug deep to cross the line first, punching the air in celebration.
"I so wanted that gold medal after Barcelona," he said.
"I wanted to do the double so bad, what a way to finish the season. I want to get in the mix at the world championships next year now."
English national champion Sharman was also pleased after he made amends for his false-start disqualification in Barcelona, but revealed he almost didn't race.
"I am very happy with this silver, I would have taken bronze," he said, adding that he had not been feeling well.
"I was close to tears this morning. The only reason why I ran the final was because my mum flew over here to watch me.
"As soon as I finished the heats this morning I was taken to hospital and put on a drip. I had a resting heart-rate of 90 beats per minute."
Clarke, 20, said he ran injured.
"I didn't do a warm-up for the race. Why? Because I tore my hip-flexor again this morning," he said.
He added later" "I didn't know I had won the bronze until they had announced it. I couldn't believe it, it all came together."
"I only did one run this morning. I was still feeling a bit sore but I had to trust myself."