Dereham's Chris Baker could not hold back the tears after his dreams of a Commonwealth high jump medal came crashing down in the Carrara Stadium.

Having qualified for the final in relatively comfortable fashion, Baker – who finished fourth in Glasgow four years ago – could only manage clearances at 2.18m and 2.21m.

His three subsequent failures at 2.24m – way down on his personal best outdoors of 2.29m – meant he ended up ninth overall as gold went to home favourite Brandon Starc.

Baker's compatriot and Olympic bronze medallist Robbie Grabarz also crashed out early in the final.

And Baker, who changed coaches to Graham Ravenscroft this winter, could not hide his emotions after a disappointing showing.

He said: 'It is an amazing atmosphere out there, but it just didn't happen for me today.

'I got a new coach this winter and stuff is coming into place but it just didn't happen here.

'I have got to trust the process, physically I am there and technically I am there, I am just not allowing myself to do what I am capable of.

'Today is a big occasion, and when you put it (the change of technique) under pressure, I just didn't live up to it.'