THE sprint for gold could be the hallmark of the Comonwealth Games.

The 100m battle between England's three top athletes will be the highlight of six days of athletic competition at the City of Manchester Stadium.

And by Saturday night the big question will be answered; will it be Dwain Chambers, Mark Lewis-Francis or Jason Gardener wearing the sprint crown.

The event, which opens with heats on Friday, followed by the semi-finals and final in front of a sell-out crowd on Saturday. looks set to bring England a gold - but by whom?

Chambers is the one they all have to beat, He's big, strong and aggressive and full of confidence after twice this year beating Maurice Greene.

But Mark Lewis-Francis is certainly the heir-apparent and he could steal the glory if he gets his head right on the task ahead.

He is a bundle of raw talent but often inexperience of the big occasions has cost him, as at Sheffield recently when he lost the lead after turning round to grab at look at his rivals.

Jason Gardner is the outsider of the trio but powers away from the blocks and is dynamic over the first 60 yards. If he can continue that into the last stage of the race then, maybe the moment will be his.

Of England's other hopes, Darren Campbell is Britain's big hope in the second of the sprint events, the 200m.

Jonathan Edwards in the triple jump is another favourite to win and could be joined by long jumper Chris Tomlinson while Steve Backley will always battle to win in the javelin.

Among the women, Ashia Hansen could bring home a triple jump gold and Kirsty Morgan could do the same in the javelin while on the track, Kelly Holmes has a winning look in the 1500m.