D-day for Thorpe

Ian Thorpe faces the biggest threat to his quest for seven gold medals tonight at the Commonwealth Games.

The 19-year-old Australian made it five down, two to go, as he struck gold in the 100 metres freestyle on Friday night.

But Thorpe accepts that gold medal number six, in the 100m backstroke, promises to provide his toughest test yet as he comes face to face with Matt Welsh, the Australian champion who was faster than him in both the heats and the semi-finals.

"I've never expected to win seven gold medals here, I have just expected to swim as well as I can," said Thorpe. "Most people think I expect to win seven and I would like to, but I just don't think it is going to happen.

"Matt is a second faster than me over 100 metres, so for me to make that kind of improvement is unlikely, and for that reason the 200m backstroke will be the toughest race for me to compete in."

Another reason is that Thorpe's body is beginning to show some wear and tear from his exertions in this past week.

"Physically my body is starting to break down at this stage," he said. "I can feel a few ailments but they are nothing a good bit of physio can't cure. But mentally I am just as excited as when I first came to these Games."

Welsh will be aiming to make up for the disappointment of being disqualified from the 200m backstroke and also hoping to prevent his compatriot from leaving Manchester with a 100 per cent record of seven out of seven titles.