Gold Coast cruises past Hambantota to win 2018 Commonwealth Games bid

Australia has hailed the decision to award the 2018 Commonwealth Games to the Gold Coast as a major economic boost to the subtropical beachside region of Queensland.

Favourites to win the vote to host the 21st Games for mostly former British colonies, the bid delivered early on Saturday morning local time with a 43-27 victory over the Sri Lankan city of Hambantota.