Australia beat Canada to retain men's Beach Volleyball title
Chris McHugh, who won gold four years ago, and his new partner Paul Burnett came through 2-1.
Australia retained their men's Beach Volleyball title with victory over Canada in a thrilling battle at Smithfield.
Chris McHugh, who won gold four years ago, and his new partner Paul Burnett came through 2-1 against Canada's Sam Schachter - who also won silver at Gold Coast 2018 - and Daniel Dearing.
Canada took the opening set 21-17 under sunny skies in the heart of Birmingham and the crowd were treated to a superb battle as Australia came back to level the match with a 21-17 second set win.
The decider was a tense affair as Canada forced Australia to save two match points.
McHugh and Burnett edged ahead before landing the crucial blow to take the final set 20-18 and with it the gold medal.
“It feels good. It is crazy. To came from two match points down, it is a surreal experience," McHugh said.
“That is why we play, for moments like this, feelings like this. You just want to savour it, because it doesn’t last forever and there will be another tournament in no time. I just want to enjoy this one with my family and friends.”
In the bronze medal match, England's Bello twins - Joaquin and Javier - came out on top against Rwanda's Venuste Gatsinzi and Olivier Ntagengwa.
It was a dominant 2-0 win, taking the first set 21-11 and the second 21-12.
We won’t forget this moment because this is huge for us and our country
Success for the Madrid-born pair secured England's first ever Commonwealth Beach Volleyball medal.
After making history on the Smithfield sand, the siblings insisted they will only have one day off before resuming training as they look to become the first British side to qualify for an Olympics.
“We’re not a team that sits on a win, we like to get back to work as soon as possible,” Javier said. “We won’t forget this moment because this is huge for us and our country.
“We’re the first English team to get a medal at the Commonwealth Games, why can’t we be the first team to qualify for an Olympic Games as well?
“That is the ultimate goal, Paris might be a little bit too early but we’re going to fight for it every step of the way. Hopefully we can do that and be seeing you in Paris in two years’ time.”
