SPRINTER Matt Elias, pictured right, doubled Wales' tally of medals at the XVII Commonwealth Games as he came second to the 'Rotherham Rocket' in the 400m hurdles final.

Elias, the 2001 European Under-23 champion, described his silver medal last night as 'a dream come true' as he ran 49.28 secs to finish just behind England's Chris Rawlinson, who ran 49.11 secs.

After a poor AAA championships in Birmingham earlier this month, Elias gave himself the perfect boost ahead of today's 4x400m semi-final by catching England's Anthony Borsumato, who was, in turn, passed by Jamaica's Ian Weakley and squeezed into fourth.

Elias said: "Words just can't describe how I feel, I remember watching the 1994 Commonwealth Games (held in Victoria, Canada) and watching the disappointment of the men tripping in the 4x400m relay.

"I always dreamed I'd have the chance to compete at the Commonwealth Games, so to come away with a medal is a dream come true.

"I went off really well, probably a bit too well, because I messed my stride pattern up on the third hurdle, which I've never done before in training or racing.

"But I got over that. I knew I was running well...very relaxed..so I made sure I maintained my own race.

"I was lucky I got to chase Chris (Rawlinson, pictured left) today, he was the hare I guess.

"I've got to pay tribute to my coach Linford Christie and Nigel Walker, who has given me plenty of advice."

Christian Malcolm finished eighth in the 200m final and Newport's Doug Turner went out in the semi-finals after finishing seventh having run 21.11 secs in his race dominated by Namibia's Frankie Fredericks.

Turner said: "I'm disappointed, I was feeling a bit lacklustre at the start, I nearly fell asleep in the blocks.

"I was surprised I got this far, but I should have been up there, I'm still a strong athlete.

"My whole season was geared towards the Commonwealth Games, so unfortunately for me my season is over now.

"Now I've got to get together with the 4x100m relay squad and try and get in amongst the medals."

Reigning world record holder Colin Jackson qualified for tonight's 110m hurdles final as he looks to bring down the curtain on a glorious career.

Jackson effortlessly flew over the hurdles in a time of 13.34 secs.

He is chasing his 24th title before retiring at the World Indoor Championships in Birmingham next February and looks almost certain to capture the Commonwealth crown off defending champion Tony Jarrett.