England's Nick Miller defends hammer throw title at Commonwealth Games

England's Nick Miller successfully defended his hammer throw title at the Commonwealth Games after a shaky start on Saturday.

The 29-year-old – who took silver in the event in 2014 before coming up trumps on the Gold Coast – did not put a score on the board until his third throw after two opening fouls.

Miller's mistakes allowed compatriot Joseph Ellis to briefly lead the standings with a throw of 70.89m on his second go, but the champion soon rectified his errors and threw a 76.43 on his fourth attempt.

Miller's score could not be beaten by Canada's Ethan Katzberg or Alexandros Poursanidis of Cyprus, but the former came extremely close with 76.36m – a lifetime best – to win the silver medal.

Poursanidis edged past Ellis with a final throw of 73.97 to take third place, as the Englishman – who steadily improved during the competition – placed fourth with a best of 73.09m.

Wales' Osain Jones ended with a best score of 69.15m to finish sixth, while Craig Murch – the third home favourite in the final – placed eighth.

Scotland's Mark Dry placed 10th after returning from his lengthy suspension for breaching anti-doping rules, while compatriot Christopher Bennett ended up in 12th.