England's Cooke wins 800m freestyle

MELBOURNE, Mar 19 (Reuters) England's Rebecca Cooke successfully defended her 800 metres freestyle title at the Commonwealth Games today.

The 22-year-old took the lead after 300m and remained in front to win the gold in a time of eight minutes, 29.50 seconds.

Australia's Melissa Gorman finished second in 8:30.79 while Canada's Brittany Reimer was third in 8:38.05.

Cooke is the first Englishwoman to win a swimming gold in Melbourne.

REUTERS DH KN1558