Hodgkinson heartbreak as Moraa beats her to Commonwealth Games gold

Mary Moraa (left) beats Keely Hodgkinson to the line in the women’s 800m final at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham. Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The Observer

Poor Keely Hodgkinson. Again. And the brilliant 20-year-old from Wigan must be wondering just how she can turn her outstanding talent into a major outdoor title after becoming the victim of a plot twist worthy of Agatha Christie at her most devilish.

At last year’s Tokyo Olympics, as well as the recent world championships in Eugene, Hodgkinson went toe-to-toe with the extraordinary American Athing Mu over 800m, only to leave clasping silver. And here at the Commonwealth Games there was more heartbreak as she fell victim to one of the most bizarre ever victory performances at a major championships.