Commonwealth Games: Day 11 of competition

ALL THE NEWS, ACTION AND REACTION LIVE FROM GLASGOW 2014 AS IT HAPPENS!

By Paul Osborne and Nick Butler in Glasgow
Click refresh for latest updates. All times stated are British

BREAKING NEWS: Rajeev Mehta, general secretary of the Indian Olympic Association, among two Indian officials to have been arrested overnight in separate incidents (see 11:40 for more)

17:30 But for now attention is switching to Hampden Park for the Closing Ceremony of Glasgow 2014. We will have our special insidethegames Closing Ceremony live blog up and running in a few minutes, so join us at 20:00 for all the countdown and ceremony coverage, including a special performance by one, Kylie Minogue; and maybe even a surprise appearance by The Proclaimers, who knows...

17:28 But the medals table doesn't lie and it is England who lie at the top. A strong finish for Canada but a fantastic effort by Scotland to hold onto fourth place.

And at the bottom there of all the country's who have won gold medals is Kiribati, the Pacific Island whose weightlifting triumph is still leading the insidethegames poll for the best moment of Glasgow 2014. You can cast your vote here.

You can also check out the full medals table here.

17:24 So a great ending to the Games for the Australians, who finish on 49 golds for second place in the medals table. They have been well and truly trumped by England but have still garnered a good number of individual victories over the "Poms", in squash just now and in netball and both men and women's hockey in recent days. Not to mention the cycling team pursuit and the 100 metre hurdles athletics...

17:18

Australia's David Palmer and Cameron Pilley fight back to win the gold medal in the men's doubles. They have fought back brilliantly to defeat Adrian Grant and Nick Matthew of England in a thrilling final.

After his earlier success with Rachael Grinham in the mixed doubles, Palmer has now won two gold medals in barely two hours. It's like the buses... after seven podium finishes but no golds, he has two of them.

17:13 Palmer, the 38-year-old who won the mixed doubles earlier on, is looking tired. But the Aussie duo are getting closer to victory there are two points away. Remember, in squash you can only secure a point on your own serve...

17:06 There's little between the two pairs but Australia are 8-6 ahead in the deciding game. England were 3-1 up at one point. First to 11 will win it...

16:54 Attention is beginning to move to the Closing Ceremony in Hampden Park now, but there is still one more gold medal to be won.

It's in the men's doubles squash, and it has gone to a deciding game as Australia's David Palmer and Cameron Pilley draw level against England's Adrian Grant and Nick Matthew by taking the second 11-7.

16:45 One more piece of cycling news to bring you before we focus on the squash. Kenyan-rider David Njau failed to finish the road race today, like most of the field, but did come 27th in the time trial.

He dedicated his performance to Chris Froome, the Kenyan-born British rider who won the Tour de France in 2013. Njau, 42, was the country's only elite rider when Froome was taking up the sport and he helped mentor the future champion.

"My race was in honour of Chris Froome. He made me popular," Njau said. "I coached him when he was young. He comes from my club. I taught him how to ride a bike, I taught him about training and suffering."

16:37 Only one piece of action still going at Glasgow 2014 now as England's Adrian Grant and Nick Matthew overcome a 5-7 deficit to take the first game 11-10 against Australia's David Palmer and Cameron Pilley in the men's doubles squash final.

it's Palmer's second final of the afternoon.

Road race gold for Geraint Thomas of Wales

"A great win for Geraint Thomas in the pouring rain this afternoon after seeing off the challenge of, first his former team pursuit and current Team Sky colleague Peter Kennaugh, then the best efforts of his breakaway buddies Jack Bauer and Scott Thwaites, and then the mechanical issues with his own bike, to win a gruelling race. Thomas has been around for years, and he's already a great support rider on the road, but he's beginning to become and individual challenger as well. I imagine a Grand Tour victory is probably beyond but certainly at one day road races such as Rio 2016, he should figure highly. Kennaugh, in my opinion, has even more potential, but riding solo in the rain for 160km just isn't feasible. A lesson for him on race nous maybe and he looked despondent when he pedaled over the line five minutes in arrears. But he will live to fight another day, and good on him for battling on to finish the race..."
- Reporter Nick Butler delivers his verdict on the road race.

16:16 Geraint Thomas cross the line to win the men's cycling road race for a fifth Welsh gold medal of the Games.

Over a minute later, there is a great battle for the minor medals as New Zealand's Jack Bauer sees of Scott Thwaites of England after a sprint for the line.

16:14 Geraint Thomas might have had our hearts in our mouths back there, but he is going to be all right. He's approaching the line now, and his lead has increased hugely again over the final climb...

Final badminton gold goes to Malaysia

16:12 Wee Kiong Tan and Wei Shem Goh claim the men's doubles title for Malaysia, the final gold medal of the badminton competition. They beat Danny Chrisnanta and Chayut Triyachart of Singapore 21-12 12-21 21-15.

Remarkably, that is Malaysia's seventh successive gold in the event.

16:07 But Thomas is back on his bike and still has a lead of around 20 seconds. "He's just respecting the 'Friendly Games' and keeping the rest of the field in it," a journalistic colleague chuckles.

They'll all be nervous in the Valley's right now. Can Wales win a fifth gold medal of the Games?

16:04 But, oh my goodness, Thomas has got a puncture with 5km to go. He has had to stop.

16:01 Thomas has a 25 second lead. He took bronze in the time trial earlier in the week and is a double Olympic champion on the track who has ridden in five Tour de France's. But he is yet to win a really big road race.

His best results so far was the 2010 British National title and both the 2011 and 2014 Bayern-Rundfahrt races.

15:58 Geraint Thomas of Wales has made his move with 11.5km to go. He sprints ahead of New Zealand's Jack Bauer and England's Scott Thwaites. Has he gone too early?

15:55 Incidentally, Lizzie Armistead's cycling gold medal earlier was England's 2,000th medal at the Games. Only Australia has more, 2,214, after this event. I think that merits an England flag...

15:53 Australia may be struggling on the medals table but they're not having too bad a time really. A great win in netball earlier, as well as triumph's in hockey and squash on the final day.

Reaction to arrest of Indian Olympic Association official (see 11:40 for more coverage)

15:47 More on our breaking news story from earlier about the arrests of two Indian officials, including Rajeev Mehta, general secretary of the Indian Olympic Association.

Action will be taken against two Indian officials they are found guilty of any criminal offences,, Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has warned. "If whatever the media have reported so far is right, definitely our Ministry will take appropriate action in this regard," he said.

But IOA President Narayana Ramachandran said he was waiting for a detailed report before commenting on the issue.

"The detailed information of the incident is not available with us right now," said Sonowal. "Our officials have been instructed to communicate with the [Indian] High Commission [in London] and also the local police of Scotland. Whatever information is available with us, they will be provided in the court of law tomorrow and in the court if they are proved wrong, law will take its own course.

"If these are proved to be right, then definitely we will condemn it. Our athletes are putting in their hard work and dedication for the cause of the country. But this kind of incidents definitely hurt every Indian. Stern action will be taken if the allegations are true."

Neither official was staying at the Athletes' Village.

"If anything like this happens, it is shameful," said India's Chef de Mission Raj Singh. "But I am not in a position to do anything. I can only work for the athletes and officials, who are staying in the Village and I am doing."

Cycling road race

15:44 There is a lot of speculation here about why Kennaugh went ahead. My opinion is that at first it was just a burst to stay out of trouble in the wet conditions. But as the kilometres ticked over, and the peloton should no inclination to close him down, he got more and more confident and decided to attempt to stay ahead. But suddenly reality told and it all went wrong for him up the climb.

However good you are, you cannot win a bike race with suicidal tactics, and especially not in these conditions.

15:40 Back in the cycling and there are two laps, so 28km, to go. England's Scott Thwaites, New Zealand's Jack Bauer and Geraint Thomas of Wales are still the leading trio. They are working together now and this seemed a well-timed and well-executed breakaway, so very unlike Kennaugh's effort earlier.

A massive number of riders have pulled out and, if our information is correct, only 14 now remain. Kennaugh is still there in fifth place, but his medal chances are over and he must be regretting his early exuberance now.

Squash gold for Australia

15:35 Rachael Grinham and David Palmer of Australia have beaten England's Peter Barker and Alison Waters 11-8 11-10 to win gold in the mixed doubles squash.

It is a seventh Commonwealth Games medal but a first golden one for 38-year-old Palmer, who came out of retirement to bid for that elusive title. He will be very happy with that decision now.

A spot of bother at the MPC?

15:31 Editor Duncan Mackay forced to eat out of a tub for his rather latish lunch. "All in the name of health and safety" is the reasoning following a dish washer malfunction at the SECC.

Stuck out here at the cycling I feel like I'm missing a lot of insidethegames excitement in the Main Press Centre...

15:27 In the badminton, meanwhile, Wee Kiong Tan and Wei Shem Goh of Malaysia, playing only their second tournament together, require just 11 minutes to defeat Danny Chrisnanta and Chayut Triyachart of Singapore in the opening game of the men's doubles, the final final of the day. They take it 21-12.

15:25 Australia's David Palmer and Rachael Grinham taken the first game against England's Peter Barker and Alison Waters, 11-8, in the squash mixed doubles final.

Something in the Scottish air? Other than rain that is...

15:23 I am not sure if Philip Barker has woken up, but this statistical gem has now appeared in my inbox... Mind you, he is the sort of man who could quote historical facts about the Commonwealth Games in his sleep. And, thinking about it, he probably does...

"Married bliss seems to go with Commonwealth Games success especially when the Games are held in Scotland. The late Malcolm Cooper and wife Sarah won gold in a shooting pairs event for England in 1986 in Edinburgh. A husband and wife won gold on same day 14 years earlier at Edinburgh 1970. England's Howard Payne secured the hammer title, while wife Rosemary won for Scotland in discus. At the same 1970 Games, John Sherwood won the 400m hurdles and his wife Sheila won the long jump"
- Olympic and Commonwealth Games historian Philip Barker on success for married couples

At Glasgow 2014, we saw judo gold for Scotland's Euan Burton and silver for English wife Gemma Gibbons. We then saw two English mixed doubles victories for married couples - Paul and Joanna Drinkhall in table tennis followed by Chris and Gabby Adcock in badminton.

Booth to carry Northern Ireland flag

15:16 Bowls silver medallist Neil Booth will be Northern Ireland's flag bearer at tonight's Closing Ceremony.

The 46-year-old from Randalstown, along with team-mates Paul Daly and Neil Mulholland, collected silver after losing to South Africa in the men's triples final last Monday.
He had previously won gold medals at Kuala Lumpur, bronze in Manchester 2002 and silver at Melbourne 2006.

"Neil has had a great career, winning four medals in five Commonwealth Games," Northern Ireland Chef de Mission Robert McVeigh said. "He is a respected member of Team Northern Ireland and many athletes value the experience he brings. We look forward to attending the closing ceremony and celebrating the success of the Games with the organisers."

15:12 Reality has hit in the cycling. Peter Kennaugh's lead is falling as rapidly as if Usain Bolt had been running his 4 x 100m relay leg at the same time as my colleague Paul Osborne was completing the last lap of the Media Mile... (sorry Paul) .

Scott Thwaites of England, Geraint Thomas of Wales and Jack Bauer of New Zealand are about to overhaul him.

A nap at the Main Press Centre?

15:07 Looks like everything has got a bit much for insidethegames' Olympic and Commonwealth Games historian Philip Barker.

Phil has been working hard though. In addition to his piece on Olympians of the First World War (see 12:59) he has done this preview of the Closing Ceremony tonight.

No Queen. No kangaroos. But there will be Kylie at Glasgow 2014 Closing Ceremony? Read it here.

"We've been training to face any problem that stands in our way, whether it's the field, the weather, the umpires, the opposition. We're ready for anything"
- Australia hockey captain Mark Knowles on how they, like the boy scouts, are prepared for anything, even the terrible weather in Glasgow today, after they won Commonwealth Games hockey gold.

14:58 The mixed doubles final is about the begin in the squash. After two mixed doubles victories for English married couples in other racket sports, we will not, unfortuanately, have the possibility of a third here.

But we could have another English win. Peter Barker and Alison Waters are up against Australian pair David Palmer and Rachael Grinham.

14:54 Malaysia have finally won a badminton title at Glasgow 2014 as Khe Wei Woon and Vivian Kah Mun Hoo save a total of five game points in the second to beat Indian defending champions Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa.

They won 21-17 23-21 in 41 minutes.

14:49 We've had plenty of casualties so far in the road race, including the individual time trial gold medal winner, Alex Dowsett of England.

"Gutted about today, couldn't accelerate for toffee, been putting all my eggs in the time trial basket. Hopefully Russ and Scott can finish it off!"
- Alex Dowsett hoping his England team mates can do what he couldn't manage

14:44 Discus silver medallist Seema Punia will carry India's flag at the Closing Ceremony tonight. She had also won a bronze at Delhi 2010 and silver at Melbourne 2006.

A wet hockey gold medal ceremony

"That has got to be the wettest and windiest medal ceremony at Glasgow 2014 so far as the teams and medal presenters, including Commonwealth Games Federation vice-President Bruce Robertson, brave the elements out on the pitch at the National Hockey Centre. I can't help wondering if Robertson is thinking that he drew the short straw here as he doesn't have three medals to present to first, second and third but 48! Sixteen each to the Australian, Indian and English squads. Time to towel off and a nice wee cup of tea for Mr Robertson I think..."
- Gary Anderson on the fun at the men's hockey medal ceremony

14:39 Kennaugh's lead is 1:50 with 60km to go. It's still not very much time and a heck of a way to go. But remember the Manxman is not any old breakaway rider. He is arguably the star man in this field.

Australian Nathan Haas scoots off the front of the peloton in a bid to close the gap. A clever team move by the Aussies. This means the onus falls on other nations in the peloton to work harder to stop two medals slipping away, and therefore to close the gap to Kennaugh.

What has been your favourite moment of Glasgow 2014?

14:32 If Kennaugh holds on here this would mark one of the greatest moments of this, or any, Commonwealth Games. What have been your highlights of Glasgow 2014?

Vote in our poll here.

Out in front with a whopping 38 per cent of the vote is Kiribati's first ever Commonwealth Games medal, a gold, in the weightlifting, following by the crowds at the rugby sevens competition, with 19 per cent.

Not much love for Kylie Minogue's impending appearance at the Closing Ceremony - only 4.8 per cent so far - but maybe that will change this evening.

14:25 Back in the cycling and, after seven of 12 laps in this 168.24km race, Pete Kennaugh is still out in front with a lead of 1:49 over the rest of the field. The rain is getting more ferocious by the minute, but he's a hardy soul this Manxman, and he seems to coping well at the moment.

The peloton has also been whittled down behind but they are keeping the leading at arms length, but not much further in front than that. The injured Mark Cavendish is in the Isle of Man vehicle,no doubt informing Kennaugh that he can do it and handing him some energy gels to feed the muscles as well as the mind.

Alex Marshall to be Team Scotland Flagbearer for Closing Ceremony

14:18 Multiple gold medallist Alex "Tattie" Marshall has been chosen as Team Scotland's flag bearer for the Commonwealth Games Closing Ceremony.

The lawn bowler has won two gold medals here, adding them to the two Commonwealth golds he won at Melbourne 2006 and Delhi 2010.

The 47-year-old Marshall from Tranent is a veteran of five Commonwealth Games having made his debut in 1994 in Victoria..

Marshall's achievements in the sport of lawn bowls include being the only person to win the World Indoor Singles title five times and holding a record 19 world titles.

He said: "Glasgow 2014 has been one of my career highlights without a doubt and to now have been given the honour to lead Team Scotland into Hampden for the Closing Ceremony, it really can't get any better than this.

"The Games for the lawn bowlers and the team as a whole have been exceptional. The team spirit has been amazing from day one and I am sure that a bond that has been created amongst us all will last a lifetime.

"On a personal note, winning two gold medals has been very special. Playing as skip of the men's pairs and fours has been a fantastic journey and the home crowd definitely gave us that extra boost that made all the difference and I know other athletes in Team Scotland have felt the same.

Alex Marshall has been selected as the Team Scotland Flagbearer for tonight's Closing Ceremony ©Getty Images

Alex Marshall has been selected as the Team Scotland Flagbearer for tonight's Closing Ceremony ©Getty Images

Congratulating Alex on his selection, Jon Doig, Team Scotland Chef de Mission, said: "Alex is one of the most popular and respected sportsmen of his generation and his record in lawn bowls is second to none.

"At these Games we have witnessed both his incredible skills and leadership on the greens, but also his passion to be out there representing Team Scotland here in Glasgow.

"He has been an inspiration to his fellow athletes, leading by example as the skip of both the medal winning pairs and fours combinations. The athletes and management of Team Scotland will be proud to follow Alex into the Closing Ceremony to celebrate what has been our nation's most successful ever Commonwealth Games."

14:10 As we near the end of sporting action here in Glasgow it seems only fittingly that we here a few words from the man behind the Games, David Grevemberg.

The chief executive of Glasgow 2014, has written an exclusive blog for us here at insidethegames giving his opinions and thoughts on everything Glasgow 2014, summing up perfectly what has been a truly incredible Commonwealth Games.

But don't just take my word for it. Take a read of David's story here, and see what the man himself thinks of the XX Commonwealth Games here in Glasgow.

13:55 And it's all over at The Hydro! Australia claim gold after a 58-40 win over New Zealand.

"Down Under" by Men at Work rattles out across the arena as the Aussie celebrations begin. It's party time for them!

Unlucky for the Kiwi's they battled hard but were outclassed in the second half.

That's payback for the Australian women as they reclaim their crown from 2002 after New Zealand won gold in both Melbourne 2006 and Delhi 2010.

13:50 Australia's men have followed their female counterparts and claimed another hockey gold as they see off India 4-0 in a rather one-sided affair at the National Hockey Centre.

A Chris Ciriello hat-trick and a strike from Eddie Ockenden sees Australia complete the men's and women's hockey double for a third consecutive Games.

"This seems like more of the 'party' that David Zolkwer was talking about for his Closing Ceremony as a huge group of Clydesiders burst onto court in a fit of music and dance as the third quarter comes to an end. It looks like Australia could be joining that party very soon as they take a sizeable 43-32 lead into the fourth and final quarter."
- Australia are edging towards the gold medal in the netball, as Paul Osborne reports.

13:43 A squash result to bring you from a little earlier on as well, as Cameron Pilley and Kasey Brown of Australia come from a game down to beat New Zealand's Martin Knight and Joelle King 8-11 11-9 11-8 in the mixed doubles bronze medal match.

13:39 A great finish in the latest badminton encounter as India's Kashyap Parupalli beats Singapore's Derek Wong 21-19 in the deciding game to win the gold medal in the men's singles.

The Indian is ranked 22nd in the world, with the world number one, Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia, not featuring. It marks the first time since Edinburgh 1986 that a country other than Malaysia has won the men's singles title.

13:35 Kennaugh is still on course for a possible stamp at the moment. In terms of other great or dubious prizes, editor Duncan Mackay has been wracking his vast brains...

"Marion Jones had a stadium named after her in Belize (which is a Commonwealth country, of course) and it hasn't been changed even though she's now not only a convicted drugs cheat but a convicted criminal. Jesse Owens has the street leading up to the Olympiastadion in Berlin named after him, Jesse-Owens-Allee, and there's also a secondary school in Berlin named after him, Jesse-Owens-Realschule/Oberschule. A pub in Mansfield was also briefly renamed The Rebecca Adlington during Beijing 2008."
- Editor Duncan Mackay on some of the best prizes in sport...

13:30 Peter Kennaugh goes through his fourth lap in 1:23.07. The Isle of Man rider's 1:49 on the peloton. Could he hold on and win this? He has lead from virtually the first pedal of this 168.24km race.

I'm going to still predict he won't, but slightly less dogmatically than before...

The London 2012 team pursuit gold medal winner did not make the Team Sky squad for the Tour de France this year, but has since won the Tour of Austria and is clearly in great form.

Pete Kennaugh of the Isle of Man is still leading the road race

Pete Kennaugh of the Isle of Man is still leading the road race

13:25 Twenty minutes to go in the hockey and it's all over already as Australia bag two goals inside a minute to make the score 4-0.

Chris Ciriello is producing a master class in shooting from penalty corners as he clips a beautiful strike into the top corner followed moments later by a close range effort by Eddie Ockenden who was totally unmarked in front of goal and turned in a ball whipped across from the right wing.

"A bemused look crosses the face of Duncan and myself as a group of youngsters make their way to the court during the half-time break. Named "The Pulsations" the group are dressed in a mixture of children's "baby-grows", school uniform, workers wear and old people's clothing. After a little pointing and jabbing, music breaks out and the pose burst into a choreographed dance routine. It's probably quite a good dance routine as well, however, the two of us are still looking around in disbelief, hoping we're not the only two seeing what has just taken centre stage... The bizzare scenes continue as the group make their way off court, only to be replaced by the Benny Hill theme tune and a game that sees one person trying to 'high five' as many people as possible. 'All we need now is a man in a black hat to start chasing then' quips Duncan. Lets hope David Zolkwer has something a little more, erm... good, at the Closing Ceremony this evening."
- Reporter Paul Osborne on the questionable half-time entertainment in the netball.

Australia lead 28-24 at half-time.

What are the best prizes in sport?

13:14 This has got us thinking about what other winners have received in sport?

At the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics, British gold medallists were honoured by having golden post boxes installed in their home towns. This was a great idea, except it led to fierce debate over the origins of some of the champions, while vandals also stripped the post boxes of some of the gold paint, to keep as souvenirs.

As well as more boring financial rewards, we've also seen winners being awarded the "Freedom" of their home town, a somewhat dubious honour which involves privileges such as the right to graze cattle on the town moor.

Does anyone have any other examples of weird and wonderful rewards?

13:07 Kennaugh, who still leads in the road race, is undeniably the second best known cyclist, or sportsman for that matter, from the Isle of Man. His currently injured compatriot Mark Cavendish won the island's last Commonwealth Games gold, when he won the scratch race at Melbourne 2006.

In 2012, the "Manx Missile", who has since won 25 stages of the Tour de France, was honoured with a special set of stamps by the Isle of Man post office.

Will Kennaugh receive something similar if he hangs on today?

Hockey update at half-time

"Half-time here at the hockey and it looks like an Australian hockey double is inevitably on the cards as two Chris Ciriello strikes has the men in green and gold well on the way to a fifth straight Commonwealth Games title. The match has failed to really ignite in truth as the Australians are dominating possession without creating too many clear-cut chances. India meanwhile, have barely troubled Aussie 'keeper Andrew Charter. It is no real surprise that the goals have come from set-plays as Ciriello expertly finished both."
- Gary Anderson on what looks like another hockey win for the Aussies

A tribute to the Olympic Movement's fallen

12:59 A rare break from the action here to point you in the direction of an excellent Big Read published today on insidethegames.

As tomorrow marks the 100th anniversary of the day Great Britain declared war on Germany, our historian Philip Barker looks back and pays tribute to the Olympic Movement's fallen in what was one of the costliest conflicts in history.

Read the full article here.

"Oooooo's, aaahhhhh's; whoops and jeers here inside The Hydro as New Zealand and Australia go toe to toe in this gold medal final. It's neigh-on impossible to call at the minute as the momentum swings this way, and that; with the score 15-14 to the Aussies after the first period. We've even got media to our left and right, jumping and shouting with the excitement and tension from this match. It's easy to see why this event was moved to the bigger, more spacious arena here at the Hydro."
- Reporter Paul Osborne is enjoying the netball action.

12:54 The Aussies are motoring now at the National Hockey Centre and its that man again, Chris Ciriello, who is the centre of attention as this time he gives India's goal-keeper Rupinder Singh "the eyes" from another penalty corner.

He went low and hard to the left with his first strike but this time it is low and hard to the right.

India already look up against it, trailing 2-0 with five minutes to go until the break.

12:47 Peter Kennaugh has completed the second lap of the road race in 41:38. Canada's Remi Pelletier is the closest man to him at 38 seconds back, with the rest of the field 49 seconds further behind.

I don't know what to make of this really. A solo break with 160km to go never works, but it is so rare to see one of the leading contenders to attempt one. It seems rather suicidal really by the Manxman. Surely in this weather, he is tiring himself out unnecessarily while his rival swork together?

What do you think? Tweet @insidethegames or comment below. Does anyone know of any cases when solo breaks this far out have ended in victory?

Reaction to first Canadian badminton gold for 32 years

12:43 Michelle Li's women's singles victory earlier was only Canada's third in badminton. at the Commonwealth Games. Jamie Paulson won the men's singles title at Edinburgh 1970, and he also won the mixed doubles with Claire Sharpe at Brisbane 1982.

Canada's clinched its last medals in badminton at Auckland 1990, when Si-Ang Deng won women's singles silver before teaming up with Denyse Julien to secure doubles bronze.

Li's win was also Canada's first gold medal in the women's singles, after three silvers and one bronze.

Final afternoon of sport at Glasgow 2014

12:38 We are 15 minutes into the men's hockey final, meanwhile, and the deadlock has been broken by Australia's Chris Ciriello who bags his seventh goal of the Games.

The Aussie hot-shot was set-up from a penalty corner and he rifles his effort hard and low to find the bottom left-hand corner despite the scrambling attempts of Indian 'keeper Sreejesh Parattu Raveendran.

Up until that point the contest has been rather disappointing with neither side really finding any rhythm which is undoubtedly not helped by the sodden conditions as spray shoots up from every swing of the stick.

12:37 Underway now at The Hydro as New Zealand miss an early chance and duly hand the imitative to Australia. The Aussie's lead 7-5 but there's still a long way to go in this fixture.

Frizell to carry Canadian Flag at Closing Ceremony

12:35 During the course of the day as we count down to the Closing Ceremony we will be bringing you news of who has been chosen as the Flag Bearer for their team. The first one is Canada, who have selected hammer thrower Sultana Frizell, who retained the title she had won at Delhi 2010.

"I'm honoured to be nominated for flag bearer and I'm going to try not to drop it this evening," said the 29 year-old from Perth in Ontario. "I appreciate everything Canada has done for me over the last four years and I'm so grateful for this medal and Commonwealth record. I'm going to be very excited out there on the track tonight."

"The sun has temporarily come out here at the National Hockey Centre as the men's gold medal match between Australia and India gets underway. After the drama of the bronze medal penalty shoot-out win for England the scene is set for the final game in the competition. Australia are going for a fifth straight title while the Indians will be out to avenge the defeat on home soil in New Delhi four years ago."
- Reporter Gary Anderson on an improvement in the weather at the hockey. Just to warn you, Gary, it won't last...

12:26 A fascinating start to the road race as Isle of Man's Peter Kennaugh, probably the favourite for the gold medal, has caught everyone by surprise by opening up a 30 second lead after the first lap.

If he stays ahead, that would be most audacious solo breakaway in the history of the sport. I feel he is just messing around really though, getting used to the course, and warming his legs up in the rain...

12:23 It wouldn't be right for a gold medal final to not see an appearance by everybody's favourite mascot, Clyde. So, with that, here's the friendly thistle at The Hydro where we await the netball final between Australia and New Zealand.

And just to remind you...

Quote marks

"Clyde will be back! The public can pre-order the kilted version of him in time for Christmas"
- Just like The Terminator, Arnold Schwarzenegger, the cuddly thistle will return promises Jackie Brock-Doyle from Glasgow 2014

"I've made my way to The Hydro to join Duncan at the all-important netball gold medal final between Australia and New Zealand. After taking my seat, listening a competition that judged who could shout "Neeeeeetbaaaaaaaaalll" for the longest period, and watching Clyde do his usual rounds across the arena, it's almost time for the for the show to start. The players strut onto the court to the tune of Plan B's 'Ill Manors', complete a little warm up and pre-match prep talk, and the seats begin to fill. We're almost ready here for the big one. Lets. Play. NETBAAAAAAAAAAAALL"
- I hate to break it to you Paul, but I don't think you won that competition

12:18 The riders are well underway now in the men's road race. It will consist of 12 laps of the 14km city centre loop that that the women competed over this morning - all adding up to a total distance of 168.24km.

The weather is still horrible out there and, if you glanced at the number of sweaters and waterproof jackets being worn by the riders, let alone by the spectators, you would be forgiven for thinking it was January rather than August.

Badminton gold for Canada

12:13 Canada's Michelle Li has wrapped up the badminton women's singles title. It was straightforward in the end as she overpowered Scotland's Kirsty Gilmour 21-14 21-7 to become the first woman from her country to win this event at the Commonwealth Games.

Gilmour was outclassed in the end, to the immense disappointment of the vocal crowd at the Emirates Arena, but a great performance to reach the final nonetheless.

Final press briefing of Glasgow 2014

12:07 And, with that comes the end of the final media briefing of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. It's quite emotional really.

I am however, disappointed. At the final press briefing of the Winter Olympics in Sochi, I distinctly remember IOC communications directer Mark Adams handing his Sochi 2014 counterpart Alexandra Kosterina a bunch of flowers. (see 11:48 on our Sochi 2014 live blog here...)

Why did Mike Hooper not do the same today for Jackie Brock-Doyle?

12:04 A wrap up of the final moments of the press briefing now, which were slightly lost amid the excitement of the hockey and IOA news earlier, before we focus on the final afternoon of sport here in Glasgow.

There is a question on whether the success of the Games has saved the Commonwealth Games with the lack of bids for future events. Hooper picks up this one and declares the statement inaccurate and that a lot of nations showed an interest in bidding for 2018 and 2022. "With all due respect, your comments are ill informed," he chirps.

A more pressing question on the news of the Christmas Clyde's follows. Brock-Doyle confirms that the special Christmas edition of the popular mascot is now on sale online. Better snap them up quick!

And here is Clyde in the VIP enclosure at the athletics...

Clyde in the VIP enclosure at the athletics ©Philip Barker

One final question now and it's on Usain Bolt's reception last night at Hampden Park. "Last night was fantastic, an exciting end to the athletics competition," says Grevemberg. "The athletes responded to how they were feeling and it was great to see the whole Jamaican 4x100m team win gold. But I think all the athletes gave their all last night and it was fun. The crowd created that fun. They did it last night at Hampden Park but we've seen it at all of the venues."

11:57 Back on Glasgow Green, we are three minutes away from the start of the men's road race. "Girl on Fire" by Alicia Keys was played after Lizzie Armistead collected her gold medal a little while ago, and now it is "The Final Countdown" by Europe as the men wait on the start line.

Both are very appropriate choices.

Second gold medal match of the day in badminton

11:54 Michelle Li of Canada has taken the first game of the women's singles final. She edges Kirsty Gilmour, the first Scotland player to ever reach the final of this event, 21-14.

Gilmour is something of a comeback specialist, and she overcame a 19-11 deficit in the second game of her semi-final against Tee Jing Yi of Malaysia to win 21-13 21-19. But she loses the first seven points of the second game and has a real mountain to climb now.

Bronze for England after a thrilling penalty shoot-out!

11:50 It's that man again as Ashley Jackson fires home the decisive strike to win bronze for England.

Jackson had scored England's first penalty followed Nick Caitlin and Barry Middleton.
New Zealand's Hugo Inglis and Steve Edwards were successful with their efforts but England goalkeeper George Pinner saved from Blair Hilton and Simon Child.

That left Simon Mantell with the chance to win it for the English but he was adjudged to have been fouled by Kiwi 'keeper Nick Haig leaving Jackson with the opportunity to secure bronze from the resulting penalty which he duly delivered.

11:43 It is all happening here this morning. We are into yet another penalty shoot-out in the hockey as England and New Zealand finish at 3-3. More drama awaits.

New Zealand are first up and Hugo Inglis scores followed by England's two goal-hero Ashley Jackson.

Indian Olympic Association general secretary arrested for driving violation

11:40 Some breaking news to report as we are hearing that Rajeev Mehta, general secretary of the Indian Olympic Association, is among two officials from that country who have been arrested overnight and are currently being held in police custody in Glasgow.

Him and Virender Malik, a wrestling referee, were arrested in separate incidents, it has been reported.

Mehta was allegedly driving without a licence and was above the legal alcohol limit. Malik was allegedly involved in sexual assault in a hotel in Glasgow.

A spokeswoman of Police Scotland confirmed that two males aged 45 and 49 were arrested on charges of alleged assault; one of them in the Glasgow city centre and the other in the west of the city.

The Indian High Commission in London said: "We have learnt about the detention of two members of the Commonwealth contingent by the local [Glasgow] police. Our consulate in Edinburgh has deputed an official to Glasgow to keep in close touch with the police to ascertain full facts of the case. We are also in touch with the team."

Both men are expected to remain in custody until Monday when they will appear in court.

Hockey update

Gary Anderson

"New Zealand are back in it over at the hockey at it's a second strike for Simon Child as he finds a pocket of space around eight yards out in front of England's goal and once again finishes with aplomb to level the scores at 3-3.
There a few late challenges flying in now and one or two bodies going down across the pitch as the players struggle to stay on their feet in the slippery conditions. Five minutes to go and its all for the taking."
- Is there ever a boring hockey match involving England? Certainly not when insidethegames are there. Gary Anderson is at another thriller at the National Hockey Centre.

Scottish Independence campaign boosted by Glasgow 2014?

11:29 Question time now for the final time here at the Loch Lomond conference hall. We begin with a question on Scotland's Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon who has caused quite a rumble in the media this morning after claiming that the success of the Commonwealth Games in Scotland would help propel the 'Yes' vote in the country's impending independence referendum.

Nicola Sturgeon has been accused of politicising the Games ©AFP/Getty Images

Nicola Sturgeon has been accused of politicising the Games ©AFP/Getty Images

In an interview with the Observer, Sturgeon, who is leading the 'Yes' campaign said: "I do think the momentum is with us. I think, as we come out of the Commonwealth Games at the weekend, that is us in the final straight of the campaign and you will see that momentum quite visibly."

Lord Smith takes the answer. He explains that he hasn't heard of the interview by Sturgeon and claims that all politicians have kept politics out of these Games. Next a question on Alex Salmond who is preparing to hold a press conference in this very room later today. "Why?" is the question.

"The Scottish Government have provided 80 per cent of the funds for these Games so its only right that they hold a press conference to give their thoughts on the Games," is Lord Smiths answer

"Will he bring up the referendum," comes the follow up. "I do not script My Salmond's speeches," is the response.

Netball bronze for Jamaica

11:26 Jamaica have held on to claim the bronze medal in netball after edging clear of England in the final quarter.

Duncan Mackay new

"The Sunshine Girls have lit up a dreary wet Glasgow morning - for Jamaica at least - by clinching the bronze medal in the netball with a 52-48 victory over England. Delirious scenes here as Bob Marley is blasted out across The Hydro. That is Jamaica's first netball since they won the bronze at Manchester in 2002. But massive disappointment for England who came into these Games with the momentum seemingly behind them. But they will leave Glasgow without anything. Jamaica's total of 10 gold, four silver and eight bronze matches their best-ever performance at a Commonwealth Games, at Melbourne in 2006.

- Editor Duncan Mackay on a big win for Jamaica in the netball.

11:14 Back in the media briefing, and after a brief round up of today's action by Jackie Brock-Doyle, Lord Smith outlines what he is going to say at this evening's Closing Ceremony.

"What an amazing 11 days this has been, tonight is going to be emotional. He adds: "I'm going to thank the Clydesiders who have been the blood of these Games. Although the Games leave Glasgow, Glasgow will never forget these Games. It is now a proud part of Glasgow's history."

The mic now passes to David Grevemberg.

"Today is a day of thank you's, big thank you's," he says. "I'd like to start by thanking the people of Glasgow. They've given sensational support, smiles, a few selfies here and there, and that wall of sound we wanted to create.

"Thanks to Glasgow and all the fans that have come to support, they have put the friendly in the 'Friendly Games. The athletes have come to these Games and really delivered. They've brought their magic, their talents and their joy.

"The joy of these Games has meant so much, and to me, this joy has been inspiring."

England take the lead in hockey bronze medal match

Gary Anderson

"England take a 3-2 lead five minutes into the second half and it's a carbon copy of their last goal as Ashley Jackson once again shows how deadly he is from the edge of the goal area as he fires passed New Zealand's Nick Haig. The game is really hotting up despite the atrocious weather conditions as the Kiwis go in search of an equaliser."
- Reporter Gary Anderson at a wet National Hockey Centre

Jamaica versus England in the netball bronze medal match ©ITG

Jamaica versus England in the netball bronze medal match ©ITG

"Just ran from daily media briefing to The Hydro, where another remarkable overnight transformation has taken place and the final matches in the netball competition are taking place. Arrived just as the final quarter started in the bronze medal playoff match and with just over seven minutes remaining Jamaica are leading England 43-42."
- Editor Duncan Mackay with a netball update

11:14 Back to the sporting action temporarily and the netball bronze medal match is getting more and more exciting by the second. It was 37-37 after three periods, and it is still just as close in the fourth...

Media Briefing

11:12 Hooper, who announced that he was stepping down from his role as chief executive of the Commonwealth Games Federation in January, added that these Games were "a stand of Games in the history of this Movement."

"The President is delighted with the outcome," he said. "I won't be in this chair in the Gold Coast but my good friend David will be."

David Grevemberg has already been announced as his replacement.

Lord Smith is among those attending the press briefing today ©Getty Images

Lord Smith is among those attending the press briefing today ©Getty Images

11:09 We begin with the usual round up by Hooper. "One of the most popular elements of sport is it's ability to inspire youths" he starts. "Scotland are now up to 52 medals, at least double that of Delhi four years ago. England are guaranteed first, a great achievement, and i'm sure Australia will come out harder at Gold Coast in four years time."

There is now a round of the achievements here in Glasgow, where we have seen 142 Commonwealth Games records set, as well as nine world records.

11:06 Today's media briefing sees Lord Smith of Kelvin, chairman of Glasgow 2014, make a welcome appearance. He is joined by David Grevemberg, chief executive of Glasgow 2014, along with usual suspects Mike Hooper and Jackie Brock-Doyle.

Another success for an English married couple

11:03 A second gold in consecutive days for an English mixed doubles pairing in a racket sport. The Drinkhall's yesterday and now the Adcock's today. It stretches the English lead on the latest medals table to 58 golds and 169 medals overall. Check it out here.

I know insidethegames Olympic and Commonwealth Games historian Philip Barker is preparing something on married couples winning gold at Games of the past. That is something to look forward to later...

Chris and Gabby Adcock celebrate badminton gold ©Getty Images

Chris and Gabby Adcock celebrate badminton gold ©Getty Images

Paul and Joanna Drinkhall won gold in table tennis ©Getty Images

10:56 It's all go here on the final day of action and I have no shame in the slight English-focused coverage on the insidethegames blog for the time being. They are the story of these Games as far as the medals table is concerned, and they have rubbed salt in the wounds of the rest of the Commonwealth this morning already.

After their heartbreaking netball defeat to New Zealand yesterday, England are trying to make amends today against Jamaica in the battle the bronze. They trailed 25-24 at the half way point and it is still level pegging in the third quarter.

Gary Anderson

"It's half-time at the hockey and what a last ten minutes we have had which sees the scores level at 2-2. England came back into the game strongly following the early Kiwi goal and they were rewarded with two goals in three minutes. First Alastair Brogdon capitalised on a mix-up in the New Zealand defence to scoop the ball home from close range. That was followed by a superb effort from Ashley Jackson moments later when he arrowed a shot high into the net from a penalty corner to give England the advantage. However, barely two minutes later and the New Zealanders are back on level terms and it was a carbon copy of the previous goal only this time it was the man in black Andy Hayward who rocketed his shot home from a penalty corner."
- Reporter Gary Anderson in another exciting hockey clash.

10:50 It is another gold medal for England. And remarkably another for a husband and wife pair as Chris and Gabby Adcock become the first married couple to win the Commonwealth Games badminton mixed doubles title.

They beat fellow England pair Chris Langridge and Heather Olver 21-9 21-12.

10:46 We will bring you coverage from the final Glasgow 2014 press briefing of these Games in a moment, but there are more medals to report as well...

Armistead wins gold for England in cycling road race

Lizzie Armistead on the way to a dominant victory in the road race ©Getty Images

Lizzie Armistead on the way to a dominant victory in the road race ©Getty Images

10:42 After 2 hours and 38 minutes of racing, Emma Pooley finishes 25 seconds behind to take her second silver medal of the Games. A great way to bow out after a wonderful career for her.

There is a stunning sprint for the final place on the podium between Ashleigh Pasio and Tiffany Cromwell. The South African Pasio is awarded the medal after a photo finish. They were 71 seconds behind the winner.

10:40 Lizzie Armistead wins the women's road race for England to upgrade the silver medal she won at Delhi 2010. A magnificent solo burst after a magnif