Cumbrian Luke Greenbank is in positive mood as he goes for glory in the Commonwealth Games tonight.

Greenbank is expected to be in gold medal contention after qualifying fastest for the 200m backstroke final.

His opponents in Birmingham will include England colleagues Brodie Williams and Jay Lelliott.

Cockermouth star Greenbank, speaking after the morning heats, told swimming.org: “I am feeling confident. 

“I wanted to get a good swim out this morning. I think there is a bit more in there but I like to see where I am and flush it all out in the morning.

“Especially after the 100m [when he finished fifth], I was a bit disappointed but I was probably overreacting as it wasn’t too far off my season’s best.

“It always happens after I’ve had a bad swim, I’m down for a couple hours or days. Looking back on the bigger picture that was pretty good.

“This morning, I was comfortable with the race tactics and much more comfortable with the 200.

“It would be amazing to win a medal in Birmingham.

“It’s going to be really loud tonight because me and Brodie are in the middle lanes and Jay’s over in lane eight.

“It is going to be really quite special and hopefully we can use that to our advantage.”

The final is scheduled for 7.13pm today.

News and Star: Lauren SmithLauren Smith

In badminton, meanwhile, Cumbrian Lauren Smith's bronze medal hopes in the mixed team event were dashed today.

England lost 3-0 to Singapore in the third-placed shootout.

Smith was partnered by Ben Lane in the mixed doubles but went down to a 2-0 defeat despite a battling effort in the second game against Yong Kai Terry Hee and Jessica Wei Han Tan.

Defeats in the singles for Toby Penty and Freya Redfearn saw Singapore claim bronze.