Declan James completed a miracle injury recovery by grabbing men’s doubles gold in all-time classic Commonwealth Games final.

The Nottingham star and partner James Willstrop came through an epic all-English final triumphant over team-mates Daryl Selby and Adrian Waller.

As the penultimate medal event of the entire Games it was a fitting crescendo and came after a fraught build-up for the 29-year-old.

James tore his quad two months ago and nearly missed the event entirely.

He said: “I was nearly out the game for six-nine months, so it was a very lucky escape.

“At the time, it was 50/50 as to whether I’d be able to compete here.

“But I’ve got such an amazing team around me, through endless rehab, to get me here. To get this result is extra special because of that.”

Willstrop and James looked like they’d romp home after dominating the first game 11-3.

But in his final game in the sport Selby was in inspired form and shared plenty of physical battles with Willstrop on the right side of the court, taking the second 11-7 to force a decider.

The pairs went point-for-point in the last but Willstrop and James won the battle of wills 11-9 to clinch the seventh Commonwealth medal of his career and the second gold.

James burst into tears after the winning point and Willstrop quickly paid tribute to his partner.

“A Commonwealth gold is one of the greatest things any player can achieve,” said the 38-year-old.

“I wanted another one and it’s elevated by working with a special player and a special person in Declan. It’s great to share it with him.”

Uncertainty surrounds former world No.1 Willstrop’s future in the sport and he has no plans to play in any upcoming tournaments.

James said “I’m going to try and drag (Willstrop) out in four years’ time. If that was the last time, then what a way to go out.”

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