Commonwealth Games 2026: Adam McKeown and Gary Kelly win gold after tiebreak

After reaching the final with some tiebreak heroics in the semi-final win over Malaysia, it seemed only fitting that the final would go the same way.

McKeown and Kelly were out of the traps fast in the first set as they took four shots in the third end on route to a 6-2 win.

The English pair fought back in a tight second set to build a 3-0 lead, and they held on to win 4-2 and send the final to a one-end shootout.

It was Kelly who came closest to the jack and Walker was unable to respond with his final bowl, which started the celebrations for a well-deserved gold medal.

“We wish it wasn’t always an extra end but we played really well,” added McKeown.

“We got a huge four shots early on and kicked on from there in the first set.

“In the second set we lost a three early on in probably the worst end of the game, and then clawed our way back into it.

“Gary had a chance to win the game with his last bowl and unfortunately just missed, but he played an absolute bomb on the tiebreak end to secure the win.”

Kelly said he had to grab the chance “with both hands” with the decisive bowl of the match.

“Obviously there’s nerves and there’s pressure, but you’ve just got to have belief and trust.

“I’ve been lucky enough n my career that I’ve done it before, so you’ve just got to reach into those moments and believe.

“You have to enjoy and embrace those moments as well, and thankfully I delivered.”