Patterson has to settle for HJ silver

Red-hot favourite Eleanor Patterson has had to settle for a shock silver in the women’s high jump at the Commonwealth Games.

A fortnight after winning the world title in Eugene in thrilling style, Patterson was widely expected to claim a second Commonwealth title in Birmingham.

The odds of a Patterson triumph shortened even further when fellow Australian and Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Nicola Olyslagers withdrew on the eve of the final after tearing a calf muscle in the qualifying round.

But no one reckoned on Lamara Distin.

The Jamaican blew the competition wide open with a first-round clearance at 1.95m.

Patterson was unable to respond, missing three times at 1.95m – seven centimetres less than her Australian record-equalling effort in Eugene.

The 26-year-old claimed silver on countback from another Jamaican, Kimberley Williamson, at 1.92m.

With the gold medal already in her keeping, the 22-year-old Distin had three unsuccessful attempts at what would have been a Jamaican record of 1.98m.