What are the must-watch head-to-head showdowns at the Commonwealth Games?

THEY are here! Some of the best athletes from around the world have hit the Gold Coast for the Commonwealth Games. Before things officially kick off, check out some of the biggest head-to-head battles we can’t wait for.

Kyle Chalmers is set for the 100m freestyle. Picture: Getty Images

THEY. Are. Here!

Some of the best athletes from around the world have hit the Gold Coast for the Commonwealth Games.

From star swimmers to a Tour de France legend and a host of outstanding local hopes, it is time to get the popcorn ready for some spectacular showdowns.

In anticipation, check out some of the biggest head-to-head battles we can’t wait for.

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NETBALL: AUSTRALIA V NEW ZEALAND

Few sporting rivalries have repeatedly lived up to the hype like the seesawing battles between Australia and New Zealand on the netball court.

Since the sport was first introduced at the Commonwealth Games in 1998, the two countries have gone head-to-head in every single final, with Australia leading the win-loss ledger 3-2.

Only once in those five showdowns has the margin been greater than five goals and three of the finals were decided by three goals or less. It doesn’t get much tighter than that.

Can we lock in showdown No. 6 for the Gold Coast?

Australia is well and truly shaping up as the team to beat and will go into the tournament as the top ranked nation in the world.

Kurtis Marschall will compete in the polevault at the Commonwealth Games. Picture: Bianca De Marchi

ATHLETICS: KURTIS MARSCHALL V SHAWN BARBER

Aussie rising star Kurtis Marschall burst onto the scene at the Rio Olympics, impressing all before narrowly missing a spot in the polevault final.

Not content with being around the edges at the leading events, he has continued to develop at warp speed and is now a genuine contender on the big stage.

The South Australian will hit the Games as one of our top track and field gold medal hopes.

Marschall cleared 5.55m to book his place on the Gold Coast team and also posted a jump of 5.8m during his Australian summer campaign.

Standing in Marschall’s way next week is Canadian star Shawn Barber.

A former world champion and Commonwealth Games bronze medallist, Barber will enter the event as one of the favourites.

“You can expect a big jump from him,” Marschall said of his rival.

“He’s cleared six metres before and been a world champion. But I can’t wait for it.”

SWIMMING: KYLE CHALMERS V CAM MCEVOY

When you’re a young up and comer, you get to fly under the radar.

But when you’re a national and Olympic champion, you better be ready to have a target on your back.

That is exactly what Kyle Chalmers will be experiencing at the Commonwealth Games when he goes into the 100m final as the man to beat.

However, a host of other Aussie stars will be gunning for gold.

Cam McEvoy may be Chalmers’ greatest competition. McEvoy went into the Rio 100m final as the favourite and if he had produced his fastest time on that day, he would have walked away with gold.

Also one to keep an eye on is 19-year-old Jack Cartwright. The rising star made a splash at the national titles, finishing second from lane eight in the final.

Australia will have a red-hot relay squad, with James Magnussen likely to be in the four-man team.

Kyle Chalmers and Cameron McEvoy will go head-to-head in the 100m freestyle. Picture: Getty Images

SWIMMING: MEN’S 4X100 MEDLEY RELAY

At first glance, it might not seem like a bumper event to lock into your calendar but when it comes to the record books, this one is important.

If there is one thing Australia owns at the Commonwealth Games, it is the relays.

Of the six relay events, the Aussies are the reigning champions in five of them.

The only event that is missing from the collection is the men’s 4x100 medley relay, which is currently in the hands of England.

We cannot let this stand!

But with freestyle king Kyle Chalmers likely leading the way, a six pack of relay wins is on the cards.

SWIMMING: KAYLEE MCKEOWN V EMILY SEEBOHM

Remember the name — Kaylee McKeown.

The Sunshine Coast rising star is charging towards top honours in the pool and it may only be a matter of time before she adds a major win to her resume.

The battle between McKeown and Emily Seebohm on the Gold Coast is shaping up as one of the pool’s best.

In a surprise result at the national titles, McKeown edged Seebohm in the final by 0.01 to claim gold.

Making the performance even more impressive, McKeown is just 16! This won’t be the last we are hearing of her.

Emily Seebohm congratulates Kaylee McKeown at the Australian Titles. Picture: AAP Images

CYCLING: AUSTRALIA V ENGLAND

These two nations have seen a lot of each other on cycling’s biggest stage.

But is it time for Australia to finally get a little bit of revenge in the team pursuit? Australia and Great Britain went head to head in the finals of the London and Rio Olympics, with the old enemy coming out on top both times.

However, just to prove how hot the competition was, both nations bettered the previous world record time at the Rio Games.

The rivalry is expected to be just as fierce on the Gold Coast.

CYCLING: MARK CAVENDISH V THE FIELD

The most successful sprinter in Tour de France history is on his way to the Gold Coast. Mark Cavendish, who has won 30 stages at the world’s biggest race, will be a man with a target on his back in the cycling road race.

But that might be all his rivals see and he goes into the Games as the hot favourite to take out gold.

The Australian team will be led by reigning national champion Alex Edmondson and Paris-Roubaix champion Mathew Hayman.

Originally published as What are the must-watch head-to-head showdowns at the Commonwealth Games?