Big names in athletics up on Commonwealth Games day nine

5:57 am on 13 April 2018

Two of the biggest names in New Zealand athletics are in competition at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games today.

Day eight of the games saw New Zealand win four medals. Gold and silver in mountain biking, silver in para lawn bowls, and bronze in beach volleyball.

The Black Sticks women also beat England to advance to a gold medal match against Australia.

New Zealand has dropped to sixth on the medal table, behind Australia, England, India, Canada and South Africa.

Friday sees Olympic medallists Dame Valerie Adams, pole vaulter Eliza McCartney and trap shooter Natalie Rooney compete.

Shot putter Dame Valerie showed she's the leading gold medal candidate throwing the best distance in qualifying.

Dame Valerie, who only returned to training a few months ago after giving birth to her first child, threw 18.52 metres, over a metre further than her nearest rival.

Eliza McCartney goes into tonight's final as the top-ranked pole vaulter.

Another strong medal hope is in shooting, with Rio Olympic silver medallist Natalie Rooney appearing in the trap shooting.

Four boxers compete in semi-finals, and the women's sevens team begins their campaign, after the loss of Ruby Tui, who has headed home after falling ill with mumps.

Diving and wrestling continue, the Black Sticks men play India in their semi-final, while the Tall Ferns take on Australia in another semi-final.

Get all our Games coverage here.