COMMONWEALTH GAMES: Ward and Goodall confident in medal challenge

From James Toney, Sportsbeat, in Delhi

JAMES WARD and Josh Goodall had to use all their internet searching skills to find out the lowdown on their first round opponents at the Commonwealth Games.

MEDAL HOPE: England's James Ward is the top seed British player in the Commonwealth Games men's singles - seeded four (Getty Images)

Number four seed Ward takes on Michael Patrick, of the Soloman Islands, while Goodall, seeded seven, plays St Lucia's Alberton Richelieu.

Goodall is a late addition to the England team, replacing the injured Richard Bloomfield and while a weak field means Indian, world number 100, Somdev Devvarman is top seed, he's determined to seize his chance.

"It's always the greatest honour to represent your country," said Goodall, who found out about his call-up by text message while playing in Bangkok and will partner Ward in the men's doubles.

"The Commonwealth Games are such a huge deal within world sport and to have the opportunity to compete at a major multi-sport event and be in the company of some of the biggest names in sport is a fantastic opportunity for me.

“Realistically I think I can get a medal. My ranking dropped a bit through injury but I certainly think I can get on the podium."

Australia's Peter Luczak, the second seed, faces Barbados' Darian King in his opener while team-mate Greg Jones, the third seed, will play Patrick Ogier, of Bermuda.

Meanwhile, while brother Andy prepares for next week's big-money China Open in Beijing, Jamie Murray is preparing for a busy week.

The doubles specialist is battling on three fronts, including a return to singles competition, in the Indian capital.

However, he faces a tough test in his opening men's doubles encounter with Indian second seeds Devvarman and Rohan Bopanna on Tuesday.

Murray is partnering Colin Fleming, whose regular partner Ken Skupski plays for England.

Following his mixed doubles win with Jelena Jankovic at Wimbledon in 2006, big things were predicted for Murray, although he has struggled to form a regular partnership that has matched the success of his breakthrough double act with Eric Butorac.

"Colin and I played together when we were coming through the ranks, so that past experience counts in our favour," said Murray.

"He's going really well with Ken at the moment, so we've got to be looking to do well.

"It's a tough first round draw because I think on paper we're the third strongest in the event, unfortunately they didn't use the doubles rankings when they considered the seedings.

"However, if we can get through that first round, we've got a very good chance of gold."

If the pair progress they face a likely second round date with Skupski and Ross Hutchins. Skupski is certainly well known to Fleming while Hutchins is a close friend and regular hitting partner of British number one Andy.