GYMNASTICS: BETH Tweddle expects her bid for Commonwealth Games glory in Melbourne to be threatened by one of her closest friends.

The 20-year-old gymnast from Bunbury, near Nantwich, jetted out to Australia with her England teammates last week and was followed two days later by Mel Roberts, who is captaining Wales.

Mel, from Saltney, near Chester, trains with Beth at the City of Liverpool Gymnastics Club and rooms with her when on duty for Great Britain.

Before flying out to Australia, Beth told The Chronicle why she feels Mel - who was the youngest Welsh gymnast at the last Commonwealth Games in Manchester - is now ready to challenge for a medal.

She said: 'Back in Manchester, Mel was only a baby in gymnastics terms. Now she's got experience of European Champion-ships so she knows what she needs to do to be up there at the top. She's got as much as a medal chance as anyone. She'll be one of my main challengers.'

Beth is one of the world's finest gymnasts and, four years ago, she won gold on the uneven bars as well as two silver medals - in the team and all-round competitions.

She added: 'It will be quite strange and we've been talking about it. Obviously we're used to training together but when we're out there we'll be separated by our own countries. It will be a bit strange.

'You want to support them because you've seen how much hard work they've done but at the end of the day they're not on your team! It will be a friendly rivalry.'

One of the favourites for gold in Melbourne later this month, Australia's Monette Russo, is carrying an ankle injury and might not even compete in the Games.